GARRY RINGROSE WILL miss the start of the 2017/18 season with Leinster after undergoing surgery on an ‘ongoing shoulder issue’ last week.
The 22-year-old centre, who started all three of Ireland’s summer tour games against USA and Japan, has been ruled out by the eastern province for four to five months.
It represents another blow for Leinster head coach Leo Cullen following the news Robbie Henshaw will be sidelined for 16 weeks after he suffered a shoulder injury during the Lions tour.
Ringrose is now likely to miss the first half of the campaign, which includes European pool games against Glasgow Warriors, Exeter and Montpellier, although Leinster say his layoff will depend on rehabilitation.
“Leinster Rugby can confirm that Garry Ringrose underwent an operation last Monday,” a statement said.
“The operation to address an ongoing shoulder issue was successful but Ringrose will be out for 4-5 months, depending on his rehabilitation.”
Ringrose suffered a bang to his shoulder during Leinster’s Pro12 semi-final defeat to Scarlets in May and if he carried the problem into the summer tour, questions will be asked of the decision to start the former Blackrock student in all three games at the end of a long season.
The Ireland international started 17 games for Leinster last term and scored seven tries as well as lining out for Joe Schmidt’s side in all five Six Nations fixtures.
His unavailability, coupled with that of Henshaw’s, will stretch Leinster’s resources in the early stages of the season with Noel Reid, Tom Daly, Fergus McFadden and Rory O’Loughlin the midfield options at Cullen’s disposal.
The injury could also see Ringrose miss Ireland’s November internationals against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina later this year.
Leinster may also have to plan without Sean O’Brien and Johnny Sexton for the first few weeks of the season with the Lions pair undergoing scans on shoulder and ankle problems respectively.
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