Ireland flanker Josh van der Flier out for season with knee injury
Monday 5 February 2018 17:30, UK
Ireland flanker Josh van der Flier has been ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering a knee injury in the Six Nations clash against France on Saturday.
The Irish Rugby football Union have confirmed the Leinster forward will play no further part in the tournament.
"Josh van der Flier has been ruled out for the rest of the season having picked up a knee injury in the opening match of the NatWest 6 Nations on Saturday," read a short statement.
"The flanker sustained a serious knee ligament injury during the match and was replaced by Dan Leavy."
Asked how big a blow Van der Flier's loss will prove to Ireland, team-mate CJ Stander said: "I think massive. He's a tough player, a physical player, he always pitches up, not just in games but in training, he lifts the energy of the whole squad.
"At this level now, he's playing well week in, week out, especially in the back-row, he's going to be a big loss.
"There are a lot of guys pushing for a jersey there, but he's still going to be missed. Hopefully he gets sorted quite quick."
Leavy will be favourite to start at seven for Joe Schmidt's side until the return of Sean O'Brien.
Following a minor operation on his hip, O'Brien will sit out the opening rounds of the tournament before returning to contention in the latter stages.
Jordi Murphy, who started at 7 for Ireland in the victory over Fiji last November, will also be considered for the position.
The IRFU added that Munster prop Dave Kilcoyne has rejoined the squad after being left out for the France game, while back-row Jack O'Donoghue and uncapped wing Barry Daly will train with the team during the early part of the week.
Wing Andrew Conway will miss the Italy match to continue his recovery from injury at Munster.
