Ireland forwards trio ruled out of Romania game

Hooker Dan Sheehan is recovering from a sprained foot sustained against England

Ireland forwards Dan Sheehan, Jack Conan and Dave Kilcoyne will not be involved in their side's World Cup opener against Romania on Saturday.

"A few guys will not be involved at the weekend," confirmed Ireland assistant coach Paul O'Connell on Tuesday.

Hooker Sheehan and back row Conan have been suffering from foot injuries.

Prop Kilcoyne has been nursing a hamstring complaint.

Leinster forward Conan sustained his foot problem in the warm-up win over Italy on 5 August, with Sheehan spraining a foot the following week in a victory over England.

"Dave Kilcoyne is struggling a bit but should be ok for next week," O'Connell told reporters.

O'Connell, who played in four World Cups, said the Ireland squad would not "reinvent the wheel in terms of preparation" for their forthcoming pool matches against Romania, Tonga, South Africa and Scotland.

"We have real continuity in terms of how we play, in terms of selection, in terms of knowing each other, what each other are about and how we enjoy ourselves and switch off."

More to follow.