Blow for Munster and Ireland as Tadhg Beirne set for extended period on sidelines 

The lock suffered an ankle injury in Ireland's win over France last weekend. 

UNDER THE KNIFE: Ireland’s Tadhg Beirne receives treatment for an injury from Dr Ciaran Cosgrave. Pic: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Tadhg Beirne has been ruled out of the rest of Ireland's Six Nations campaign, following an ankle injury sustained against France last weekend. 

Munster lock Beirne is to undergo surgery on the injured ankle on Thursday, with the IRFU noting that the knock-on effect of going under the knife will be a 12-week spell on the sidelines.

Beirne (31) is also likely to miss a crucial part of Munster's season, as Graham Rowntree's charges look to secure a high URC finish and go deep in Europe. 

“Tadhg Beirne will undergo surgery today on the ankle injury he sustained in Saturday’s win over France,” read a tweet from Irish Rugby.

“Unfortunately, Tadhg will be ruled out for up to 12 weeks.”

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell said following the weekend game that Beirne’s issue “did not look great”, with his fears subsequently confirmed.

How Farrell deals with Beirne's absence will be intriguing, with the likes of Iain Henderson, Joe McCarthy and Ryan Baird all looking to make the step up.