Devin Toner is the shock omission from Ireland’s 31-man World Cup squad.
The 33-year-old Leinster lock has numbered among Joe Schmidt’s most trusted lieutenants, starting 50 of the Kiwi head coach’s 67 Test matches as Ireland boss.
Munster’s South Africa-born Jean Kleyn has been given the nod ahead of Toner in the squad Ireland submitted to World Rugby on Monday.
Kleyn only qualified for Ireland on residency two days before his Test debut, the 29-10 victory over Italy on August 10.
But now the 26-year-old has edged out Toner, who has proved a lineout and restart banker throughout Schmidt’s six years at Ireland’s helm.
Leinster’s Luke McGrath has been given the nod at scrum-half, at the expense of Connacht’s Kieran Marmion, with Munster powerhouse Chris Farrell edging out Will Addison in a four-strong centre line-up.
Joey Carbery has been selected alongside Johnny Sexton and Jack Carty at fly-half.
Munster star Carbery is expected to be fit from his ankle problem in time for Ireland’s opening World Cup Pool A clash, against Scotland on September 22.
Carbery will be Ireland’s emergency scrum-half cover, with Schmidt opting to take just two recognised number nines.
Provided by Press Association Sport
