Leinster's Dan Leavy will play no further part in the season after the province confirmed that he has undergone surgery to repair cartilage in his knee.
A horrific injury sustained in 2019 meant the powerful backrower missed the World Cup in Japan, but fought his way back to full fitness and had made nine appearances for Leo Cullen’s side this term.
Four of those games have been as starter, including his last outing, the Pro14 victory over Scarlets last month, a game he marked with a try.
The news is a blow for the 26-year-old, but he is expected to make a full recovery by the summer.
Elsewhere Leinster will continue to monitor Caelan Doris after flagging concussive symptoms in Ireland camp.
Of more immediate concern, Rory O’Loughlin (shoulder) and Tommy O’Brien (ankle) have recovered from their recent setbacks and are available for selection for Friday’s away Pro14 trip to Dragons.
Michael Bent (neck), Adam Byrne (hamstring) and Scott Penny (neck) have all returned to training, but a decision on their availability for selection won’t be made until later in the week.
