Six Nations 2016: Ireland flanker Sean O'Brien to miss England game with injury

Ireland flanker Sean O'Brien will miss the nation's next Six Nations match against England at Twickenham due to a hamstring injury, coach Joe Schmidt said on Monday.

Winger Dave Kearney is also very doubtful for the game on February the 27th with a shoulder injury and lock Mike McCarthy (concussion) and centre Jared Payne (hamstring) are also struggling to be fit.

Flyhalf Johnny Sexton, however, should be available after recovering from a whiplash injury.

"He is feeling a lot better," Schmidt told the Irish Rugby Football Union website.

Ireland, Six Nations champions for the last two years, drew with Wales in their opener and lost 10-9 in France on Saturday.

They now travel to play England in two weeks time, with the hosts having beaten Italy 40-9 in their last Six Nations match on Sunday.

Speaking about the result, Owen Farrell said: "We now have two weeks before we face Ireland at Twickenham and they are a tough team who are coming off the back of a loss to France.

"We moved Italy around in the first half and the plan worked allowing us to attack them in the final 20 minutes and thankfully, we scored a few points."