Ireland Star Forced Off Early In Leinster Game

This isn’t what Joe Schmidt wanted to see.

Ireland back-row Josh van der Flier was forced off early for Leinster tonight with a shoulder problem.

The talented young forward looked to be in some discomfort coming off and will be a cause for some real concern heading into the France game.

The openside flanker has started on the bench for Schmidt in all of Ireland’s Six Nations games so far, and with Peter O’Mahony’s return not guaranteed, may leave Ireland short of options for the crucial clash at the Aviva.

The good news for Schmidt however is should Johnny Sexton once again fail to recover in time, Joey Carberry is on fire tonight in his first start since returning from injury, grabbing two tries in an excellent performance.