Irish prop out of NZ tour

Prop Simon Best will miss Ireland's three-test tour to New Zealand and Australia after fracturing his ankle during Ulster's 12-12 draw with Llanelli on Saturday.

Whether he needs an operation remains to be seen.

A replacement has yet to be named but candidates are thin on the ground.

The two tight-heads in the squad -- Tom Court and Declan Fitzpatrick -- are considered too callow for a tour of this type, while Wasps' Peter Bracken, who has been in fine form for his club, appears out of favour.

- NZPA