Ireland fly half Jack Crowley has been ruled out until 2027 in a significant injury blow for Munster.
Crowley was absent from Ireland’s summer Nations Championship fixtures and is now facing an extended spell on the sidelines due to a “lower limb vascular injury”.
The 26-year-old had re-established himself as Andy Farrell’s first choice No 10 during the Six Nations, but is set to miss the remainder of the Nations Championship in November.
His absence will be a major set-back for Munster as they prepare to begin their United Rugby Championship campaign next month.
“Jack Crowley is a very important player for Munster and Ireland with a big future in the game and ensuring he gets back to 100% is the priority,” head coach Clayton McMillan said of the playmaker.
Ireland are due to take on Fiji, South Africa and Argentina in the Nations Championship before a final at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium on the final weekend in November.
Munster open their URC season with a home game against Glasgow Warriors at Thomond Park on Saturday 28 September.
Ireland trio Edwin Edogbo, Tom Farrell (both shoulder) and Calvin Nash (hamstring) have undergone surgery but are due back in the opening block of fixtures.
