Ulster hooker Rob Herring has been called into the Ireland Rugby World Cup squad in place of Sean Cronin who has picked up an injury, according to the BBC.
Herring was part of the extended Ireland training panel ahead of departure to Japan but failed to make the final cut.
The 29-year-old South African has won eight caps since his debut in 2014, the last of which came against Italy on 10 August.
It is understood that Cronin injured his neck in training.
Munster's Niall Scannell is most likely to serve as back-up to Rory Best in Saturday's quarter-final clash with New Zealand.
Otherwise, it is believed that Joe Schmidt has a fully fit squad to choose from.
He will name his team on Thursday morning.
Follow Ireland v New Zealand on Saturday 19 October (kick-off 11.15am) via the live blog on RTÉ.ie/Sport and the News Now App, watch live on RTÉ2 or listen to live match commentary on RTÉ Radio 1.
***
Follow all four Rugby World Cup quarter-finals this weekend via our live blogs on RTE.ie/Sport and the News Now app, or watch live on RTÉ2.
