Ireland’s Rugby World Cup hopes have taken a major hit with the news that rising star Erin King will miss the tournament later this year due to a serious knee injury sustained during the Six Nations.
The 21-year-old backrow, who had played every minute of Ireland’s campaign so far, suffered the injury during Saturday’s defeat to England. After further assessment, it was confirmed she would require surgery, ending her season prematurely. Getting injured just 7 minutes into the game, she ended up playing the full 80 minutes against the Red Roses.
"I'm heartbroken to have suffered a serious knee injury that means I will miss the rest of the Six Nations along with the Rugby World Cup," King said.
"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."
King’s absence leaves a significant void in Scott Bemand’s squad. She had emerged as one of the brightest talents in Irish rugby since making her XVs debut in last September’s win over Australia. Her standout performances in Canada’s WXV tournament helped earn her World Rugby’s Breakthrough Player of the Year.
"For a young player who's still got the world at her feet and has come into our programme, we're gutted for her to miss out on having her available and bouncing around the pitch for us," Bemand said.
"In rugby it can happen, and sometimes it deals you a tough hand. Fair play, her attitude to is: 'right I'm going to come back better'.
"She's already looking at coming back, already looking at the big picture of what she can add to her game. Undoubtedly we'll miss her."
King will certainly be a huge loss for the Irish team through the rest of the Six Nations and World Cup campaigns. Ireland must immediately turn their attention to their game against Wales this Sunday at Rodney Parade, Newport, Wales. The game can be watched live on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player from 2.40pm.
