Ireland lock Tadhg Beirne will miss the rest of the Six Nations after being dominated out for as much as 12 weeks with an ankle harm.
The 31-year-old Munster participant was as a consequence of endure surgical procedure on Thursday, having been pressured off early within the second half of Saturday’s 32-19 win over France in Dublin.
British and Irish Lion Beirne, who has began his nation’s final 14 Tests, left the Aviva Stadium on crutches, together with his forthcoming absence a serious blow for Andy Farrell’s group.
“Tadhg Beirne will undergo surgery today on the ankle injury he sustained in Saturday’s win over France,” learn a tweet from the Irish Rugby Football Union.
“Unfortunately, Tadhg will be ruled out for up to 12 weeks.”
Head coach Farrell stated following the weekend recreation that Beirne’s challenge “did not look great”, together with his fears subsequently confirmed.
Grand Slam-chasing Ireland sit prime of the championship desk on the again of bonus-point wins over Wales and France forward of a round-three journey to Italy on February 25.
Ulster captain Iain Henderson changed Beirne on Saturday and is the apparent alternative to return into the second row to accomplice James Ryan in Rome.
Leinster pair Ryan Baird and Joe McCarthy and Connacht’s Cian Prendergast are the opposite choices obtainable to Farrell.