Hayes' Munster colleague Tony Buckley has been preferred as starting tighthead prop with Tom Court's versatility winning the Ulsterman a spot on the bench.

But Kidney has reassured Hayes that he still has a part to play as Ireland look to prepare for next year’s World Cup.

“Not at all is this the end for John, definitely not,” said Kidney.

“It hasn't been easy to leave guys out but that's my job. Guys will still have a role to play in the next 12 months.

“Tom Court has been playing 80 minutes recently and the advantage for him is that he's the one prop who has had time on both sides of the scrum.

“In a 22-man squad you have to look at that tactically.

“Tony took his break during the summer tour very well and he's backed that up with a few good performances since.

“John was unfortunate because he fell ill at the start of the tour and didn't get his energy back, so didn't get a go at it.”