Irish lock O'Connell ruled out for Wales match

DUBLIN - Ireland lock Paul O'Connell has been ruled out of Ireland's home Six Nations match against Wales on Sunday because of a shoulder injury.

"Despite having an encouraging period of rehabilitation last week, Paul O'Connell's shoulder has reacted to the next level of training and has not progressed sufficiently," the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) said in a statement.

Ireland team doctor Gary O'Driscoll said he was confident O'Connell would be available for the game against Scotland in Dublin on March 11.

The IRFU said Saracens hooker Shane Byrne has been added to the Ireland squad as precautionary cover for Jerry Flannery who suffered an ankle strain in training.

A decision on Flannery's availability will be made later in the week.

- REUTERS