Luke Fitzgerald has been ruled out of Ireland's remaining autumn fixtures and their Six Nations Grand Slam defence after sustaining a serious knee injury.
The Leinster winger will undergo surgery on Tuesday after incurring ligament damage to his left knee during the second half of Sunday's 20-20 draw with Australia at Croke Park.
Sidelined for between four to six months, he will play no part in Ireland's remaining November internationals against Fiji and South Africa or the Six Nations.
An Irish Rugby Football Union statement read: "Luke suffered a significant injury in an awkward collision and was replaced against Australia.
"Following medical review and scans of his left knee, it has been confirmed that Fitzgerald sustained a ruptured lateral collateral ligament that will require surgical repair and intensive post-operative rehabilitation.
"He is scheduled for surgery at the Sports Surgery Clinic on Tuesday, with a projected recovery period of four to six months."
The news is a crushing blow for Fitzgerald, who enjoyed his breakthrough season last term in making the number 11 jersey his own.
The 22-year-old's form during Ireland's march to the Grand Slam was sufficient to secure a place on the Lions tour to South Africa where he made one Test appearance.
Munster's Keith Earls, another Lions tourist last summer, is his likely replacement against South Africa a week on Saturday, though whether he will figure against Fiji remains to be see.
Head coach Declan Kidney names his side to face the Fijians at lunchtime on Tuesday.
The Leinster winger will undergo surgery on Tuesday after incurring ligament damage to his left knee during the second half of Sunday's 20-20 draw with Australia at Croke Park.
Sidelined for between four to six months, he will play no part in Ireland's remaining November internationals against Fiji and South Africa or the Six Nations.
An Irish Rugby Football Union statement read: "Luke suffered a significant injury in an awkward collision and was replaced against Australia.
"Following medical review and scans of his left knee, it has been confirmed that Fitzgerald sustained a ruptured lateral collateral ligament that will require surgical repair and intensive post-operative rehabilitation.
"He is scheduled for surgery at the Sports Surgery Clinic on Tuesday, with a projected recovery period of four to six months."
The news is a crushing blow for Fitzgerald, who enjoyed his breakthrough season last term in making the number 11 jersey his own.
The 22-year-old's form during Ireland's march to the Grand Slam was sufficient to secure a place on the Lions tour to South Africa where he made one Test appearance.
Munster's Keith Earls, another Lions tourist last summer, is his likely replacement against South Africa a week on Saturday, though whether he will figure against Fiji remains to be see.
Head coach Declan Kidney names his side to face the Fijians at lunchtime on Tuesday.
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