Fans of Irish rugby have been dealt a triple blow today, with the news that Sean O’Brien, Dave Kearney and Mike McCarthy will all miss the rest of the Six Nations.

All three were injured during Ireland’s bruising defeat to France last weekend, with many supporters unimpressed with some of the cynical play from the French team.

Some commentators felt the officials were to blame for not penalising the French more harshly and, judging by his tweet this afternoon, former Ireland and Munster star Alan Quinlan is one of those.

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I'd love to ask Jaco Peyper and George Ayoub what their thoughts are on Dave Kearney being ruled out for the rest of the Six nations.

— Alan Quinlan (@AlanQuinlan1) February 19, 2016

South African Jaco Peyper was the referee on Saturday, with Australian George Ayoub acting as the Television Match Official.

Dave Kearney came off in the first half with a shoulder injury, as a result of a recklessly high tackle by French captain Guilhem Guirado.

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Video from NumberOne.

A penalty was awarded, but many felt the French skipper should also have been shown a card for the cynical foul.