Ireland's King to miss rest of Six Nations and World Cup

Back row Erin King will miss the remainder of Ireland's Women's Six Nations campaign and the World Cup later this year because of a knee injury, the Irish Rugby Football Union has confirmed.

The 21-year-old sustained the injury during last week's defeat by England in Cork and is to undergo surgery in Dublin on Thursday before beginning her rehabilitation.

King, who was named World Rugby Women's XV's Breakthrough Player of the Year last November, will miss the forthcoming matches away to Wales and Scotland, as well as the World Cup, which takes place in England in August and September.

"I'm heartbroken," said Australia-born King.

"It feels very unfair right now but I've had the best few months with this team and I can't wait to support in every way I can from the sidelines.

"It will be a long road ahead, but with the support I have from family, friends and team-mates around me, I will learn to accept that everything happens for a reason and if I stick to the process and rehab programme set out by the medical team, I'll be back better."

The news will come as a major blow to Ireland as they prepare to make their return to World Cup action in a few months after failing to qualify for the previous edition of the tournament.

The Ireland Sevens international made her debut in the XVs format in September's win over Australia at Kingspan Stadium in Belfast and has subsequently cemented her place in head coach Scott Bemand's squad.

Her performances in WXV1 in Canada in September, including scoring two tries in a memorable win over then world number one side New Zealand, helped her pick up the Breakthrough Player of the Year accolade.

King had played every minute of Ireland's first three games in this year's Six Nations before her setback.

She made her debut for Ireland sevens at the Dubai Sevens in December 2021 and played a significant part in the Irish women's team becoming the first ever to win a World Series silver medal in February 2022 in Spain.

King was named in the squad for the 2022 Rugby World Cup Sevens - Women's tournament held in Cape Town, South Africa, and represented Ireland at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.