James Topping broke his thumb during the Irish squad's first pre-Six Nations get-together at the ALSAA complex yesterday, as a result of which he has been ruled out for four to six weeks and is out of contention for a place against England on February 5th.
The 25-year-old Ballymena and Ulster winger has been very unlucky with injuries. He hasn't played for Ireland since winning the last of his five caps against England three years ago.
Surprisingly recalled to the Irish squad for the tour to South Africa in the summer of '98, Topping was in line for a Test recall then until he ruptured his shoulder when scoring his second try in the first half of the tour opener against Boland.
Topping aggravated the injury last season, confining him to just one appearance for Ulster in their memorable campaign, and though liked by Warren Gatland, a mere four appearances for Ballymena was not sufficient to earn him a squad place for the tour to Australia or the World Cup. He had been having a relatively injury-free run in this campaign before this latest mishap.
It was also confirmed that Ross Nesdale has been ruled out of the Six Nations championship and most probably for the season because of a disc problem in his neck which will probably require an operation next week. Indeed, the injury may prove career-threatening for the 30-year-old hooker, who has another year on his contract at Newcastle Falcons.
It may also result in a promotion to the squad for Leinster's Shane Byrne although no decision has been made about replacements.
Yesterday's first of two one-day sessions was heavily disrupted by injuries. Ten players were prevented from taking part - Ronan O'Gara (strained knee), David Humphreys (groin), Brian O'Meara (knee), Alan Quinlan (shoulder), Justin Fitzpatrick (thumb), Andy Ward (knee), Jeremy Davidson (elbow), Peter Stringer (ankle), Bernard Jackman (groin) and David Wallace (ankle).
