Quinlan and Hickie On Their Way Home.

There was a sense of sadness in Ireland’s Rugby World Cup camp today as squad members said farewell to two players. Alan Quinlan, with his left shoulder in a sling, and Denis Hickie, on crutches, departed the Melbourne base for an early return home, Hickie due to arrive in Dublin Airport at 9 am on Tuesday morning and Quinlan scheduled to arrive at Shannon Airport at 11.30 am, also on Tuesday morning.

Hickie knows his season is in peril as he faces immediate surgery for a ruptured Achilles tendon and Quinlan awaits further medical opinion regarding his dislocated shoulder. He is unsure if he faces an operation, if not he could be back in action in six weeks time.

Meanwhile, heading in the opposite direction, replacement back Tyrone Howe is due in Melbourne at 6 am local time tomorrow morning (Tuesday) and will train with the rest of the squad later in the morning.

Hickie and Quinlan leave behind them an Ireland squad who will begin their build up to next Saturday’s quarter final clash against France with a swim at the Melbourne Aquatic Centre this (Monday) morning and then the rest of the day given to badly needed R&R with some playing golf and others indulging in kart racing.