IRELAND could be without blind side flanker David Corkery for the match against England in the International Championship at Lansdowne Road on Saturday week.

Corkery damaged the third finger on his right hand playing against Wales last Saturday. Initially it was thought it was only a dislocation but the injury is more serious than that. Medical examination has revealed that the bone is fractured and time is not on Corkery's side with the game against England now only 11 days away.

Corkery, who plays his rugby with Bristol, had an outstanding match against Wales. He visited a specialist last evening for further examination on the finger and will receive intensive treatment for the injury.