Paul O’Connell’s Test career is over after the Ireland captain tore his hamstring against France on Sunday.
The Munster legend, 35, is moving to Toulon after the tournament and he will be undergoing surgery this week.
No.8 Jamie Heaslip will lead the team in O’Connell’s absence.
“Paul O’Connell suffered a significant hamstring injury and will undergo surgery this week,” said an Irish Rugby statement.
“Paul will not play again at Rugby World Cup 2015 and his time out of the game will depend on the outcome of the surgery.”