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Leinster utility back Luke Fitzgerald has been ruled out of Ireland’s Six Nations
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Ireland team manager Mick Kearney confirmed the news on Tuesday
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The 28-year-old got hurt during “A tackling drill at the Aviva,”
Ireland’s Six Nation preparations have been dealt a blow with confirmation that Luke Fitzgerald will miss the tournament.
The Leinster utility suffered his injury blow during Ireland’s open training session at the Lansdowne Road on Friday, and could be out of action for two months.
“A tackling drill at the Aviva,” Kearney told The42.ie when asked how Fitzgerald sustained the injury.
“His foot just got caught in the grass and twisted his knee, so fairly innocuous and he’s unlucky to be out of the Six Nations, but I suppose it could have been worse.
“He was very upset to be honest and probably feared the worst.
“He’s had a very good run injury-wise since the end of last season, had a great World Cup and was flying right up until the open session.”
Ireland are already without Ulster wing Tommy Bowe for their campaign, who is also a long-term casualty with knee trouble.
Coach Joe Schmidt can call on Andrew Trimble, Dave Kearney and Keith Earls for the wing, with Simon Zebo able to feature out wide or at full-back.
Ireland will not call-up a replacement to their squad for their Six Nations opener against Wales in Dublin on Sunday.