Josh van der Flier will miss the remainder of Leinster's season after undergoing ankle surgery yesterday and will also miss Ireland's tour of South Africa this summer.
The 23-year-old saw a specialist yesterday having picked up the injury against Ulster and the surgery means he will miss eight weeks.
Van der Flier made his international debut during a disappointing Six Nations campaign for Ireland and had hoped his performances would earn him a spot in Joe Schmidt's panel.
Josh van der Flier in action against Italy. Image: ©INPHO/Colm O'Neill
He will now miss Leinster's Pro12 semi-final clash with Ulster next Friday.
Elsewhere, Rob Kearney (ankle) and Johnny Sexton (quad), who were both withdrawn against Benetton Treviso for precautionary reasons, are said to be "making good progress" from both injuries.
Ireland will take on South Africa in three different venues over consecutive weekends in June.
The first Test against the Springboks will take place in Cape Town on Saturday June 11 , the second Test will be held in Johannesburg on Saturday June 18 and the third and final Test of the series will be played in Port Elizabeth on Saturday June 25th.
