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Ireland's O'Brien ruled out of England Six Nations game

Rugby Union - France v Ireland - RBS Six Nations Championship 2016 - Stade de France, St Denis, France - 13/2/16 Ireland’s Sean O'Brien sustains an injury Action Images via Reuters / Andrew Boyers Livepic (Reuters)

DUBLIN (Reuters) - Ireland flanker Sean O'Brien will miss their next Six Nations match against England at Twickenham due to a hamstring injury, coach Joe Schmidt said on Monday. Winger Dave Kearney is also very doubtful for the game on Feb. 27 with a shoulder injury and lock Mike McCarthy (concussion) and centre Jared Payne (hamstring) are also struggling to be fit. Flyhalf Johnny Sexton, however, should be available after recovering from a whiplash injury. "He is feeling a lot better," Schmidt told the Irish Rugby Football Union website (www.irishrugby.ie). Ireland, Six Nations champions for the last two years, drew with Wales in their opener and lost 10-9 in France on Saturday. (Reporting by Ed Osmond; Editing by Ken Ferris)