Haimona setback for Italy

Italy's World Cup preparations have been dealt a blow due to an arm injury suffered by fly-half Kelly Haimona.

Haimona broke his arm during Italy's final game of the RBS 6 Nations campaign against Wales in March, but the injury has not healed properly.

Italian rugby chiefs have confirmed that he has now left the Azzurri's World Cup training camp to continue his rehabilitation, having been told that he cannot do any contact work for the next 30 days.

"From the day of his debut in the national team last November, Kelly was one of the strong points of our national team," Italy head coach Jacques Brunel said in a statement.

"But we are preparing for a World Cup and we have to do with those who, today, can guarantee the maximum of his own condition.

"Kelly will rejoin the group during the Rugby World Cup if there are conditions and needs."

Italy are in the same World Cup pool as Ireland, France, Canada and Romania. Their opening game is against France at Twickenham on September 19.