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RWC2015: Ireland skipper Paul O'Connell ruled out of World Cup

Ireland captain Paul O'Connell will miss the rest of the World Cup after suffering a severe hamstring injury against France at the weekend.

RWC2015: Ireland skipper Paul O'Connell ruled out of World Cup

Paul O'Connell has played his last Test for Ireland after suffering a hamstring injury at the Rugby World Cup, the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) has announced.

The second row left the field on a stretcher during Sunday's 24-9 win over France in Pool D, a victory that ensured Ireland avoided a quarter-final with New Zealand.

However, the win came at a cost as captain O'Connell - who is set to retire from international rugby at the end of the World Cup - suffered his injury, and he has now been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament.

O'Connell will have surgery later this week and the IRFU has confirmed Leinster's Mike McCarthy will replace him in the squad.

"A leader, a warrior, a gentleman – Paul O'Connell has played his last for Ireland," a tweet from the IRFU read.

 [IRISH FANS WHO LOST MATCH TICKETS RESCUED BY HONEST COUPLE]

A brief statement on the official website soon followed, which read: "Paul O'Connell suffered a significant hamstring injury and will undergo surgery this week.

"Paul will not play again at Rugby World Cup 2015 and his time out of the game will depend on the outcome of the surgery.

"Mike McCarthy has been called up to the Ireland squad in place of Paul O'Connell. Mike will arrive in Cardiff today."

Ireland, who take on Argentina in the last eight at the Millennium Stadium on Sunday, had Peter O'Mahony ruled out for the tournament with a knee injury on Monday, while doubts remain over the fitness of Jonathan Sexton, who sustained a groin problem in the match against France.