Rugby:Leinster and Ireland hooker Richardt Strauss has been ruled out for between 10 and 12 weeks after picking up a an ankle injury in the victory over Exeter at Sandy Park on Saturday. The 26-year-old South African-born player damaged ligaments and may face a similar operation to the one underwent by Brian O'Driscoll in November.
His recuperation will end his chances of adding to his two Ireland caps during the upcoming Six Nations, while Leinster’s Amlin Cup quarter-final away to Wasps looks like it will come to soon for him.
Ireland coach Declan Kidney added Munster hookers Damien Varley and Mike Sherry to his extended panel. In total he added seven players for training in Carton House this week , including four backrow forwards in the Munster duo of James Coughlan and Tommy O’Donnell and the Leinster pair of Rhys Ruddock and Kevin McLaughlin. Munster outhalf Ian Keatley also receives a call.
Ulster's Roger Wilson was considered but has been ruled out with a hamstring injury.
It was also announced that former Armagh footballer Enda McNulty will take up the role of performance psychologist for the Six Nations campaign.
Kidney will announce a Wolfhounds squad tomorrow ahead of Friday’s game against the England Saxons.
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