Ireland full-back Rob Kearney will miss the November internationals as he requires surgery on a troublesome back injury.
The Leinster stalwart, who has started Ireland's last 12 Tests, could be sidelined for up to 10 weeks.
The 26-year-old lasted less than half-an-hour in his first appearance of the season for Leinster against Connacht after taking another blow to his lower back which has bothered him since
The Birtish and Irish Lions full-back had hoped to return in Saturday's PRO12 fixture at home to Cardiff Blues, but is now a major doubt for the back-to-back Heineken Cup fixtures against Clermont in December.
The defending European champions are also set to be without Isa Nacewa for four to six weeks after he suffered a broken hand during last weekend's win at the Scarlets.
Makeshift full-back Ian Madigan is expected to remain in the number 15 jersey against Cardiff.
Comments
APV1 says...
Allen? I seem to have got some wiring wrong in my brain again. I keep typing Allen, when I mean Goode.
DOH!
Posted 17:59 25th October 2012
APV1 says...
Get well soon, RK!
I agree we need him for the Lions. Otherwise we'll have to pick from Foden, Allen, Armitage and Halfpenny as Brown's back-up and for the dirt-trackers...
Posted 15:41 25th October 2012
Carpelone says...
@ ed
LOL
Posted 11:57 25th October 2012
heart_of_oak says...
I hope he makes a speedy recovery. He's a great player and we need him for the Lions.
Posted 08:50 25th October 2012
NHsaints says...
OOH that's a blow. Knowing Kearney and his injuries he may well end up missing the Lions next year. If he did I wonder who would play in his stead? Mike Brown? Ben Foden (assuming he's not injured and regains form)? Halfpenny?
Posted 18:18 24th October 2012
melkdave says...
Wasnt he talking about being ready for the aurtum tests just a few days ago??Well its certianally bad luck for him and Ireland .Now im wondering if he will even make the 6Ns
Posted 16:28 24th October 2012
leinster_goy says...
this guy just has no luck at all. a big blow. let's hope that Isa, Seany and Fitzy recover in time for the clermont matches
by the way, i noticed that Andrew Goodman has been playing at 12 for tasman in the itm cup. can he also play full-back? 'twould be nice to have some cover in that position
Posted 14:45 24th October 2012
marzie says...
Our injury troubles are starting to resemble the Man United back four's.
Posted 14:14 24th October 2012
Carpelone says...
PR kiss of death?
The editor says.... Must be part of our supposed 'anti-Irish conspiracy'...LOL
Posted 13:52 24th October 2012