Australian Lyons out of World Cup

Australia number eight David Lyons has been ruled out of the rest of the World Cup after breaking his leg during the win over Canada on Saturday.

Lyons limped off in the second half after a heavy tackle and X-rays showed he had fractured his left fibula.

Saturday's match was his first in the tournament after he had been sidelined since July with blood clotting.

Australia are expected to make an announcement about a possible replacement later on Sunday.

Lyons, 27, was a key member of the Australia team that lost the 2003 World Cup final to England but has been plagued by health problems for the past three seasons.

He is the second Australian player to leave the tournament after utility back Mark Gerrard injured his knee in their first World Cup game against Japan.

Fly-half Stephen Larkham has also undergone two knee operations during the tournament and has been ruled ouf of next weekend's quarter-final against England in Marseilles while captain Stirling Mortlock is recovering from a dislocated shoulder.

Source: BBC Sport