CARDIFF: Breakfast was somber for Ireland as teammates consoled flanker Peter O’Mahony before he left their camp on Monday because his knee ligament injury ruled him out of the rest of the Rugby World Cup.

“Everyone was gutted to see him go,” fullback Rob Kearney said. O’Mahony was hurt and carried off in the 24-9 win over France at Millennium Stadium the day before. More bad news was expected later, confirming captain Paul O’Connell’s right hamstring injury would also end his tournament, and likely send him into premature retirement.

O’Connell and flyhalf Jonathan Sexton, who had a groin complaint, were also taken off injured in the match, and were to have scans on Monday. Sexton’s initial prognosis was good, team manager Michael Kearney said.