Sexton's understudy in World cup fitness race

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Ireland flyhalf Joey Carbery faces World Cup fitness race following his injury during his side's win over Italy.

Carbery sustained an ankle injury and has ruled him out of action for four to six weeks.

The injury could see him miss Ireland’s opening game of the Rugby World Cup against Scotland on September 22 in Yokohama and struggle to gain fitness in time for their second pool game six days later against Japan in Shizuoka.

Meanwhile, Devin Toner’s ankle knock has not presented any further issues while Rob Herring who retired from the game early due to a back spasm has also fully recovered.

Finlay Bealham, John Cooney and Mike Haley have returned to their provincial bases.

Ireland’s next fixture is against England in Twickenham on Saturday, August 24.

Ireland squad:

Forwards:

Rory Best, Tadhg Beirne, Jack Conan, Sean Cronin, Tadhg Furlong, Cian Healy, Iain Henderson, Rob Herring, Dave Kilcoyne, Jean Kleyn, Jack McGrath, Jordi Murphy, Tommy O’Donnell, Peter O’Mahony, Andrew Porter, Rhys Ruddock, James Ryan, John Ryan, Niall Scannell, CJ Stander, Devin Toner, Josh van der Flier.

Backs:

Will Addison, Bundee Aki, Ross Byrne, Joey Carbery, Jack Carty, Andrew Conway, Keith Earls, Chris Farrell, Robbie Henshaw, Dave Kearney, Rob Kearney, Jordan Larmour, Kieran Marmion, Luke McGrath, Conor Murray, Garry Ringrose, Jonathan Sexton, Jacob Stockdale.