RWC 2015: Paul O'Connell to be ruled out of Rugby World Cup to end his Ireland career as Peter O'Mahony leaves squad

O'Mahony will play no further part in the Rugby World Cup with updates expected on the fitness of Paul O'Connell and Jonathan Sexton later today

(2015 Getty Images)

Peter O’Mahony has been ruled out of the rest of the Rugby World Cup after suffering knee ligament damage in Ireland’s 24-9 victory over France on Sunday.

O’Mahony was one of five players to have left the Millennium Stadium pitch with an injury, with Paul O’Connell and Jonathan Sexton forced off during the first-half of a brutally physical encounter.

A medical update from the Irish squad confirmed that O’Mahony’s injury will mean he will play no further part in the tournament, while O’Connell remains in hospital awaiting further news on his leg injury.

Sexton suffered a groin injury after chasing a mis-kick, and will have a scan later today to determine the full extent of the damage. Further updates are expected on Sexton and O’Connell’s condition on Monday.

"Paul O'Connell appears to have suffered a significant hamstring injury and was hospitalised overnight. He's having scans later today to clarify the extent of the injury," team manager Mick Kearney said.

"Peter O'Mahony has suffered a knee ligament injury and is returning to Dublin today for specialist opinion and will take no further part in the tournament.

"Johnny Sexton suffered a groin injury, initial clinical assessment is encouraging and we await scanning later today.

"After an incredibly physical encounter a host of players are reporting bumps and soreness and will have to be managed, but nothing more serious than that.

"As soon as we have more clarity on the injury front we will be in a position to make decisions on replacement players.

Jonathan Sexton wipes away tears as he leaves the field during Ireland's win over France (2015 Getty Images)

"At the moment, definitively, only Peter O'Mahony has been ruled out.

"Paul was in hospital overnight and he was obviously very sore.

"In relation to Jared Payne's replacement, that's similar too.

"I'd be pretty sure that a decision would be made later today.

"The coaches did meet this morning and discuss a number of different options."

The official Ireland Twitter account confirmed O’Mahony’s departure on Monday morning, although no decision has been take on who will replace the Munster flanker in the squad.

They said: “Thank you @peterom6 - you gave your all. O'Mahony ruled out of #RWC2015.

“@Paul_OConnell is in hospital awaiting scan. Johnny [Sexton] suffered [a] groin injury and is awaiting scan but we're hopeful.

“No decision as yet on any replacements. We'll keep you updated on Paul and Johnny later today.”

The news is a huge blow to Ireland’s hopes ahead of Sunday’s quarter-final against Argentina in Cardiff, with many fearing the worse for O’Connell given the pain he was in as he left the field at half-time on a stretcher.