Ireland's World Cup preparations hampered by injury to Jonathan Sexton

Ireland's preparations for the upcoming World Cup has been hampered by an injury to their star playmaker Jonathan Sexton.

Sexton, who has played 89 Tests including six for the British and Irish Lions is currently unable to participate in full training after suffering a thumb injury during a training session in June.

The injury could sideline the 34-year-old for four to six weeks that will put him on doubt for the warm-up games leading to the showpiece event in Japan.

The current World Rugby Player of the Year will be desperate to get on board for Ireland's World Cup bid with Joey Carbery, Jack Carty and Ross Byrne in the mix for the battle to stake a claim in the 31-man squad that will be announced by Schmidt following their second warm-up game against Wales in Dublin.

Joe Schmidt's side will face Italy in their first warm-up game on 10th August followed by a clash against England on 17th August. They will round-off their preparations with a home and away fixture against Wales that will be played on 31st August and 7th September.

Ireland are positioned in Pool A in the Rugby World Cup and will kick-start their campaign against Scotland on 22nd September in Yokohama.