Captain Rory Best has been ruled out of Ireland’s three-Test series in Australia because of a knee injury.

He has been replaced by Munster hooker Niall Scannell. Sean Cronin and Rob Herring are the other hookers in the squad.

Speaking at a press conference, Ireland coach Joe Schmidt hinted that Johnny Sexton and Peter O’Mahony could share the captaincy.

The three Tests will take place in Brisbane on 9 June, Melbourne a week later and then Sydney on 23 June.

Ireland have not beaten the Wallabies in Australia since 1979.