MUNSTER HAVE TODAY confirmed that they will be without captain Peter O’Mahony for the rest of the season.
The blindside flanker proved he was over a hamstring injury for last weekend’s Heineken Cup quarter-final win over Toulouse, but sustained the injury to his shoulder in the early stages of the game.
Munster say the 24-year-old will undergo reconstructive surgery today after travelling to consult with a specialist in Dublin last night.
O’Mahony will now not only miss Munster’s Heineken Cup semi-final against reigning champions Toulon, but also the business end of the Pro12 campaign and, most likely, Ireland’s summer tour to Argentina.
Elsewhere, Ulster have further added to their front row options with the signing of former Munster prop Dave Ryan from Zebre.
The Corkman left Ireland in 2011 to play in Italy and soon secured a contract with the newly formed Pro12 club at the beginning of last season.
“I would like to thank Fabio Ongaro, the coaching staff and Zebre organisation for the opportunity that they have given me. I have developed a lot as a player and a person during my time in Italy,” said the tighthead in a statement released by Ulster today.
“While a part of me is sad to leave, the opportunity to join a team with the quality and character of Ulster was too great to pass up. I’m excited to start a new chapter in my career with a team I have always admired for their work ethic, style of play and physicality.”
Ryan’s deal comes a week after the northern province confirmed the signing of Natal Sharks tighthead Wiehahn Herbst as they look to replace the Premiership-bound John Afoa and Tom Court.
