Ireland lock Ian Henderson has been ruled out of the upcoming series against world champions South Africa after undergoing surgery on his toe.
The Ulster captain, 32, has been sidelined in recent weeks due to injury, but Ulster have now provided further clarity on the diagnosis. He will now be out of action for three months after undergoing surgery on Monday.
Ireland are set to face the Springboks in a two-match series in July, but Andy Farrell will now have to do without the British and Irish Lion.
The positive for Farrell is that fellow Irishman James Ryan, who plays in the second row, is back in training this week with the Leinster side and is ready to take part in the finale of their campaign.
Meanwhile, it is clear that Henderson will have no further part to play in Ulster's season with matches against Leinster and Munster remaining, as well as potential play-offs.
Elsewhere in the squad, Ulster also confirmed in an injury update that Irish midfielder James Hume also underwent surgery on Monday on a knee injury and will not be available “for the coming months” either.
Luke Marshall and Rob Baloconi will also miss this weekend's match against Leinster at Kingspan Stadium after sustaining injuries in training.
