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Scott Fardy won't be going to the Rugby World Cup

Leinster's Australian back-rower Scott Fardy has conceded he won't be going to the Rugby World Cu...



Leinster's Australian back-rower Scott Fardy has conceded he won't be going to the Rugby World Cup in Japan later this year.

He signed a new deal with the province last February and, under Australia's current rules, is ineligible to take part in the showpiece event later this year.

Australia have been drawn in Pool D alongside 2019 Six Nations Grand Slam winners Wales, Georgia, Fiji and Uruguay.

Michael Cheika's side finished runners-up to New Zealand at the 2015 tournament but have struggled for form over the last 18 months. The recent Israel Folau saga has also assuredly drained the confidence of the squad after their star player was sacked by Rugby Australia last week.

Scott Fardy, Australia, is tackled by Ireland's Peter O'Mahony, at the Aviva Stadium, Lansdowne Road, Dublin. Image: Matt Browne / SPORTSFILE

Fardy's contribution to Leinster has been immense since he arrived in the Irish capital in August 2017 - helping his side to a Heineken Champions Cup and Guinness PRO14 Championship double last season.

Speaking ahead of the Guinness PRO14 final against Glasgow, Fardy said: "I don't think I can do that. I've signed here for the next year and obviously that doesn't allow me to play in the World Cup.

"I've accepted that and it's part of the deal in playing here at Leinster."

You can watch the full press conference here:

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Australia Japan Leinster Rugby World Cup Scott Fardy