Paul O’Connell’s Ireland career and World Cup is over

The international career of Paul O’Connell has come to an end.
The IRFU confirmed the Ireland captain suffered a significant hamstring injury during Sunday’s win over France, one that will require surgery this week.
That game in Cardiff has now proved to be O’Connell’s 108th, and last, in an Ireland jersey.
Leinster’s Mike McCarthy has joined the squad as a replacement.
Meanwhile, Sean O’Brien will appear before an independent disciplinary hearing in London this lunchtime.
The Leinster flanker was cited for striking French second row Pascal Papé during Sunday’s victory in Cardiff.
In some positive news, it’s reported that Jonathan Sexton could be in contention to play on Sunday, after scans on his groin showed his injury were not as bad as first feared.