Simon Zebo departs Irish World Cup squad on compassionate leave

The versatile back will return to England later this week.

Simon Zebo had one of the games of his life, on Sunday, as Ireland defeated Romania 44-10. This morning, the 25-year-old flew back to Cork following the passing of his grandfather, John Geary. Mr Geary passed away at Cork University Hospital, over the weekend, after a brief illness. "Simon has been granted compassionate leave by the tournament and returned to Ireland this morning. He is due back with the squad tomorrow," an IRFU spokesperson told the Irish Independent. Mr Geary's funeral will take place in Cork on Tuesday morning. Zebo is expected to rejoin the squad at their Guildford base following the service.