Back row Erin King will miss the remainder of Ireland’s Women’s Six Nations campaign and the World Cup later this year because of a knee injury, the Irish Rugby Football Union has confirmed.
The 21-year-old sustained the injury during last week’s defeat by England in Cork and is to undergo surgery in Dublin on Thursday before beginning her rehabilitation.
King, who was named World Rugby Women’s XV’s Breakthrough Player of the Year last November, will miss the forthcoming matches away to Wales and Scotland, as well as the World Cup, which takes place in England in August and September.
“I’m heartbroken,” said Australia-born King.
“It feels very unfair right now but I’ve had the best few months with this team and I can’t wait to support in every way I can from the sidelines.
“It will be a long road ahead, but with the support I have from family, friends and team-mates around me, I will learn to accept that everything happens for a reason and if I stick to the process and rehab programme set out by the medical team, I’ll be back better.”
