Fitzgerald ruled out of Six Nations
The news that Fitzgerald faces four to six months on the sidelines is also a huge blow to Michael Cheika’s Leinster as the province bid to become the first side since Leicester Tigers to land back to back Heineken Cup titles.
Fitzgerald, who featured for the Lions in the Tour of South Africa during the summer, sustained ‘a ruptured lateral collateral ligament’ in an accidental 53rd minute clash against the Wallabies.
IRFU spokesman Karl Richardson said last night: “We are very disappointed for Luke.
“He is in good medical hands and we are now hoping for a good recovery. We are hoping to see him back in the Irish colours later in the season.’’
He continued: “It was an awkward collision which led to a serious injury. Following medical review and scans of his left knee, it has been confirmed that he sustained a ruptured lateral collateral ligament that will require surgical repair and intensive post operative rehabilitation.
“He is scheduled for surgery at the Sports Surgery Clinic today (Tuesday) with a projected recovery period of between four to six months.”
Irish Examiner columnist Donal Lenihan is confident the winger can make a full recovery.
He said: “It is disruption when you have an injury like this and it will be upsetting for the squad.
“Luke was an integral part of the Grand Slam success, Leinster’s Heineken Cup campaign and had a good Lions tour.
The one thing is that Ireland and Leinster are fortunate in that they options to replace Luke. For example Keith Earls will slot in for the national team and he did very well when he was introduced after Luke was injured on Sunday.
“But injuries like this are a factor of the modern game and it means that you wouldn’t have all of your players all of the time.The positive from Luke’s perspective is that the rehab from an injury of this nature is very successful and it should not be a long term issue. While it is very disappointing for him, it will be a huge opportunity for others.”
Meanwhile 14 players have been added to the Ireland squad for Saturday’s second game in the Guinness Series against Fiji in the RDS (RTÉ Two, 5.15pm). The call ups include several players who were involved in the Ireland A win over Tonga on Friday night such as Andrew Trimble, Shane Horgan and Brett Wilkinson.
The Irish team will be named at lunchtime today.
IRELAND squad Additions (in addition to players available from match 22 v Australia): T Buckley, G D’Arcy, J Fogarty, C Henry, S Horgan, D Hurley, F Jones, S O’Brien, D Toner, A Trimble, B Wilkinson, F McFadden, K McLaughlin, P Stringer.
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