Henry blow for Connacht

Connacht’ have been dealt a major blow with hooker Sean Henry ruled out for the season.

Sligo native Henry, signed from Munster at the start of the season, faces surgery on a neck problem this week and misses the rest of the campaign.

Connacht may be forced to look to the academy for back-up in the hooker position as Jason Harris-Wright and converted back-row Dave Heffernan are their only two fit No 2s.

“Jake had his surgery and it was successful, he’s on track for the start of next year. Sean Henry is going to have neck surgery next week,” said coach Pat Lam.

“He was having some problems and it started getting worse. We had it scanned and the surgeon said he could possibly get by, but needed to get surgery to fix it. Both of them, getting ready for next season is crucial.”

A nerve problem in his back has ruled scrum-half Paul O’Donohue out of Saturday’s clash with Treviso, while Lam also confirmed Craig Clarke’s indefinite absence due to concussion — in January, Clarke suffered his 10th concussion in 22 months.