Toner facing World Cup snub

Toner facing World Cup snub

Devin Toner is expected to be a 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.

The PA news agency understands 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.

Ireland Training Session – Carton House
Devin Toner is thought to have missed out on selection for Ireland’s World Cup squad (Brian Lawless/PA)

Meticulous planner Schmidt has wanted to wait until after Saturday’s final warm-up fixture against Wales in Dublin before publicising Ireland’s World Cup squad.

Schmidt and his coaches spent Sunday and Monday morning deliberating their selections however, and have since told governing body World Rugby of their 31-man line-up.

Kleyn only qualified for Ireland on residency two days before his Test debut, the 29-10 victory over Italy on August 10.

Ireland v Italy – Guinness Summer Series – Aviva Stadium
Jean Kleyn, left, is expected to win a place in Ireland’s World Cup squad (Donall Farmer/PA)

Leinster’s Luke McGrath is thought to have been given the nod at scrum-half, at the expense of Connacht’s Kieran Marmion, with Will Addison edging out Munster powerhouse Chris Farrell in a four-strong centre line-up.

Former England Under-20s star Addison adds crucial versatility to Ireland’s ranks, able to operate at centre, wing, full-back and at a push fly-half.

Joey Carbery is understood to have been selected alongside Johnny Sexton and Jack Carty at fly-half.

Ireland v Italy – Guinness Summer Series – Aviva Stadium
Joey Carbery, pictured, should be fit in time for the World Cup (Donall Farmer/PA)

Carbery will be Ireland’s emergency scrum-half cover, with Schmidt opting to take just two recognised number nines.

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