Leinster second-row Quinn Roux is expected to be out for five months after dislocating his shoulder in last weekend's PRO12 win over Glasgow.
The South African forward only recently recovered from a broken collarbone which makes this a disappointing setback for coach Joe Schmidt.
"I don't know if you saw it but he was starting to get a little bit of rhythm," said Schmidt.
"He is a very strong man and we were starting to get a little excited about what we thought he could bring to help us out.
"It's really devastating for him. He is really gutted. Just the way he fell, his shoulder dislocation, he is probably looking at 16 to 20 weeks' rehabilitation."
Leinster have received some positive news on the injury front however as Rob Kearney and Brian O'Driscoll are expected back in January while Luke Fitzgerald is progressing well.
"Luke's ahead of schedule," said Schmidt.
"We got a bit excited that he might be a bit further ahead than that but unfortunately we have to be patient because he is a top-quality member of our environment."
Comments
Theshaw says...
@quinn_dub I like your thinking! But he was planing on retiring but stayed on because lack of oz players for tour. But it would be perfect! But I wonder what what chances of leinstwr snacking Mike MaCarthy. When I was watching irish matches I knew Leinstwr would look for him .
Posted 23:04 28th November 2012
quin_dub says...
Thorn not available...what about Nathan Sharpe??...playing well and out of contract. Surely an offer could be made to get him to delay retirement for six months??.. would be the right kind of player too - aggressive, good ball carrier....just the job to my mind..
Posted 12:08 28th November 2012
ImLaigheanIt says...
@Leinster_goy
Surely the "Second Coming" is reserved for Rocky!! :)
Posted 08:52 28th November 2012
leinster_goy says...
quinn roux does a pretty good impression of steven sykes, doncha think
the irish times today reported Schmidty as saying that they won't be bringing in a medical joker for roux. even if that was possible, Brad Thorn has signed with the highlanders for next season, so there would be no Second Coming...
ultimately, this is the IRFUSSR's fault for forcing us to sell Hinesy 18 months ago
Posted 12:43 27th November 2012