Ireland have confirmed that number eight Jamie Heaslip will definitely miss Saturday's crucial Six Nations showdown with England.
The 31-year-old broke three vertebrae during his side's victory over France on February 14.
Despite hopes over a return for Heaslip before the end of the tournament, team manager Mick Kearney has insisted that there is "absolutely no chance" of him facing England in Dublin this weekend.
"There's absolutely no chance of Jamie being involved against England. That was always the thought of the coaching staff and the medical staff," he is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News.
"However, we would be somewhat hopeful that he will be fit for selection against Wales, in what is now Saturday fortnight.
"He's only 10 days into the injury, so it's still very early. He's doing work with the Ireland medical and strength and conditioning team. But it's a very light workload at this stage."
Ireland and England are the only two teams left in the Six Nations with 100% records.
Jack Prescott
