INTERNATIONAL RULES: Kerry's Seamus Moynihan will not be leading Ireland in the International Rules series in Australia next month after it was revealed that he has failed to recover from a torn calf muscle injury.

Less than a fortnight ago John O'Keefe named the Kerry defender as captain, for the second successive year, along with 11 other definite players to travel.

"It's a huge blow as Seamus has been outstanding in this code," said O'Keefe. "He has probably been the best player in the last two series', from both Ireland and Australia," he added.

Moynihan picked up the injury over the weekend in an O'Donoghue Cup quarter-final match when his club Glenflesk were defeated by Gneeveguilla.

He has been a key component of the Irish sides since the series was rejuvenated in 1998. The combination of his strength and athleticism make him almost a prototype player for the developing game.

The only previous match he has missed was the first Test in 2000, due to Kerry being involved in the All-Ireland final replay against Galway. However, he showed his commitment to the cause by returning for the second test the following week.

The loss leaves a gaping hole in the team that has already suffered a long line of withdrawals by several of the core members of the successful 2001 series Down Under.

Experienced players like Darren Fay, Ciaran Whelan, and Anthony Tohill have all already made themselves unavailable while Graham Geraghty wasn't even selected for the initial training squad.

Although this may have something to do with the 48-week ban he subsequently received from the Meath county board.

A new captain has yet to be announced but the management's refusal to do so immediately may be due to the player being involved in this Sunday's All-Ireland final.

The Tyrone captain Peter Canavan has already made himself unavailable, due to the recent birth of his child. This leaves Kieran McGeeney, who could be the first man to lift the Sam Maguire in successive years since Dublin's Tony Hanahoe in 1976 and 1977, as the clear favourite for the role.

Other outside bets for the captaincy would be Seán Martin Lockhardt and Trevor Giles.

If named, McGeeney would not be the first Ulster captain as Tohill led the team for the 2001 series.

O'Keefe held off on naming a full panel until after the All-Ireland final due to the large number of Tyrone and Armagh players in the running for selection.

The additional 16 players will be announced next Wednesday.