Ireland hit by fresh injury blow

Ireland have endured yet another setback to their RBS 6 Nations with the news that substitute flanker Chris Henry will miss the rest of the tournament with a knee injury.

Henry suffered a cartilage tear to his right knee during Ulster's 26-3 RaboDirect PRO12 victory over Zebre on Friday night and must undergo an operation.

"The injury will require surgery and will rule Henry out of playing for approximately four weeks," read an Irish Rugby Football Union statement.

It is the latest injury to have hit the Ireland camp, whose Six Nations is imploding after only two matches.

Centre Gordon D'Arcy and wing Simon Zebo have been lost for the remainder of the competition, while fly-half Jonathan Sexton and lock Mike McCarthy will definitely miss Sunday's clash with Scotland.

Concerns continue to hang over the fitness of centre Brian O'Driscoll and second row Donnacha Ryan, while prop Cian Healy has been ruled out of the games against Scotland and France through suspension.

Ireland entered the tournament without lock Paul O'Connell and wing Tommy Bowe, who will not return in time, while flanker Stephen Ferris' involvement is in doubt.

Munster back row Tommy O'Donnell has been called into the squad as cover for Henry, an openside who started the Wales and England matches on the bench.

Connacht centre Dave McSharry is also unavailable due to a groin injury, so Leinster's Ian Madigan has been called up.