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Luckless Van der Flier set to miss rest of the season after groin surgery

The Leinster flanker faces another extended period on the sidelines.

JOSH VAN DER Flier has been dealt another cruel injury blow as the Leinster flanker is now set to miss the rest of the season, having undergone a procedure on his groin last week.

Van der Flier suffered the injury during the first half of Ireland’s Six Nations win over France at the Aviva Stadium, and after consulting with a specialist, was forced to undergo surgery to repair the damage.

Josh van der Flier Van der Flier is set to miss the rest of the season. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO

The 25-year-old now faces another extended period on the sidelines after Leinster this afternoon confirmed he will be out of action for 12 weeks, meaning he’s unlikely to feature again this season.

Not only will van der Flier miss Leinster’s Pro14 and Heineken Champions Cup run-in, including Saturday’s European quarter-final against Ulster, but the injury will put his World Cup hopes in doubt. 

It’s another unfortunate setback for the Wicklow native, who also missed Ireland’s Grand Slam win and Leinster’s historic double last season with a knee injury, before returning to action last November.

“He’s back in there [Leinster HQ] today, the surgery has gone well for him but again he’s likely to miss the rest of the season unless there is some magic cure between now and then,” Leo Cullen confirmed.

“Josh has been incredibly unlucky and he had been going incredibly well for us this year. He works hard, just another blow for him but hopefully he’ll be able to get himself in good shape again to get ready for World Cup plans.”

Van der Flier’s absence is offset by the return to fitness of Dan Leavy, who came through his first appearance since December against Edinburgh on Friday night unscathed after a recent calf injury, while Sean O’Brien is also available. 

Cullen has other options at openside heading into the business end of the season, with Max Deegan performing brilliantly in the seven jersey in recent weeks while Scott Penny is back after starring during Ireland’s U20 Grand Slam victory. 

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