He had been named along with Sean Scanlon (shoulder) in the extended squad announced for this game but withdrew from training in Cork on Wednesday. Like Scanlon the injuries will be re-assessed early next week but at this stage neither are ruled out of contention with the Benetton Treviso game in mind.  

Declan Cusack is another who has a shoulder injury keeping him sidelined just now bringing the number of walking wounded to eleven.

Good news however is that Peter O'Mahony (jaw) is expected back in time for the Treviso game, Mike Sherry (ankle) has resumed light training (jogging), Felix Jones (foot) is looking at a return sometime in late January/early February while Troy Smith (knee) and David Wallace (knee) are on schedule for a return in February.

Nothing can be confirmed about a return date for Jerry Flannery (calf) with Doug Howlett (achilles,6-8 months) gone for the season and Darragh Hurley (back injury) looking at up to four months out.