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Rugby Union

Best injury not as bad as feared

31/12/2007

The ankle injury sustained by Ireland hooker Rory Best is not as bad as feared and unlikely to rule him out of the Six Nations.

Best was withdrawn from Ulster's 29-0 defeat to Leinster on Boxing Day with what was described as a "serious ankle injury".

But a scan showed that he has sustained no structural damage to his right ankle and instead sprained his ankle ligaments.

He is now expected to be fit in time to face Italy at Croke Park on February 2nd in Ireland's opening Six Nations fixture.

"Best had a scan on his ankle this morning and it confirmed that the 25-year-old has sprained his ankle ligaments and will be out of rugby for three to four weeks," an Irish Rugby Football Union statement said.

"The Ulster skipper is expected to be fit for the start of the Six Nations championship in February as the scan showed no further bony or structural damage to his right ankle."

Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan names his extended squad for the tournament on January 14th, with the team eager to put their World Cup disappointment behind them.