Ireland's preparations for the game against France, and the rest of the World Cup, have been dealt a blow this morning with the news that Jared Payne has been ruled out of the tournament. 

The centre had been in discomfort all week, and after a training session on Wednesday, it was decided that they would examine the injury with a scan. 

According to a statement from the IRFU, the scans revealed a foot fracture, and he will now return to Ireland for treatment on the injury from a specialist. 

There has been no decision yet on a replacement, as the statement adds that Schmidt won't call up anyone else until after Sunday's match against France.