Ireland’s hopes of building on their epic wins over New Zealand and Wales have suffered a big set-back with out-half Bill Johnston ruled out of the remainder of the World Rugby U-20 Championships.
Johnston missed the Six Nations campaign with a shoulder injury and only made his U-20 debut on Tuesday night against Grand Slam champions Wales when he impressed and kicked eleven points in the 26-25 win.
But he suffered a dislocated shoulder just after half-time in the historic 33-24 victory over world champions New Zealand on Saturday, a win which leaves Nigel Carolan’s men in pole position in Pool A.
Johnston, whose older brother David has broken through to the Munster senior side, is to return home and will be replaced in the squad by Brett Connon of Newcastle Falcons.
He is the second Irish player to be ruled out of the tournament through injury with tighthead prop Conor Kenny tasting just three minutes of action before a shoulder injury ended his campaign against Wales on Tuesday evening.
Ireland are expected to change the side around for Wednesday’s final pool game against Georgia where a win over the newcomers, who have lost both games, will guarantee a semi-final spot for only the second time ever.
