IRELAND AND MUNSTER LOCK Tadhg Beirne has been ruled out for 12-weeks confirmed the IRFU on Thursday.Â
Beirne has started the last games against Wales and France and this news will come as another major blow for Ireland as they chase another Grand Slam.
The 31-year-old picked up the ankle injury in Ireland's 32-19 win over France in the Six Nations on Saturday.
Beirne, who has started his country's last 14 Tests, left the Aviva Stadium on crutches.
The Munster man will undergo surgery on Thursday, confirmed the IRFU.
🤕 Wishing Tadhg a speedy recovery as he undergoes surgery today.#TeamOfUs | #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/TczMc21ofx
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) February 16, 2023
A statement from the IRFU said, "Tadhg Beirne will undergo surgery today [Thursday] on the ankle injury he sustained in Saturday's win over France."
"Unfortunately, Tadhg will be ruled out for up to 12 weeks."
Ireland's next game is against Italy on the 26th of ths month and Ulster captain Iain Henderson, who replaced Beirne against France could again partner James Ryan against Italy.
Farrell could also select  Ryan Baird, Joe McCarthy and Connacht's Cian Prendergast to replace Bierne.
Ireland also lost Johnny Sexton and Rob Herring to injuries in the same game and are awaiting the results of both players.
Ireland are also still missing the likes of  Robbie Henshaw, Tadhg Furlong, Jamison Gibson-Park, Dan Sheehan and Cian Healy.
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