Ireland co-captain Edel McMahon looks set to miss the Guinness Women's Six Nations next year after undergoing season-ending knee surgery.
The 31-year-old, who co-captained Ireland at the recent Rugby World Cup alongside Sam Monaghan, will have her second knee surgery since the tournament this weekend.
The news was confirmed by her club, Exeter Chiefs, who said McMahon will miss "the entire PWR [Premiership Women’s Rugby] and international season".
"It’s obviously devastating to miss the season ahead," McMahon, who has won 36 Test caps, said.
"A break for my body was something that’s been lingering on for a while, so I’m very grateful for to get the support to do this now.
"My focus now is fully on recovery and getting back stronger than before. I’ll be doing everything I can to contribute to the team off the pitch while I work towards getting back on it."
The Clare native missed Ireland’s World Cup quarter-final defeat to France after picking up the injury in the final Pool C clash with New Zealand in Brighton.
Ireland begin their Six Nations campaign away to England at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, on 11 April. McMahon will also miss the historic round-five game against Scotland, which will be the first ever standalone women’s rugby international at Aviva Stadium.
Exeter Chiefs Women’s head coach Steve Salvin said: "We are gutted for Tricky [McMahon].
"We do not like to see any of our players out of action for a prolonged period of time, but I know she will work her hardest to get back in the best shape she can be.
"Tricky will remain with us while she rehabs and will continue to exert her ever-positive influence from the sidelines."
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