Fitzgerald ruled out for rest of season

Leinster will have to plan without Luke Fitzgerald for the rest of the season.

The talented back has been suffering severe neck problems and will undergo an operation in the coming weeks which rules him out of the Heineken Cup final and Ireland’s tour to New Zealand.

“Obviously to lose a player of Luke’s pedigree at such a crucial time of the season is a massive blow, not just for the team and our supporters, but also for the player himself,” said Leinster coach Joe Schmidt.