SEAN O’BRIEN LOOKS set to miss the start of Ireland’s 2014 Six Nations campaign after he dislocated his shoulder in Leinster’s Pro12 win over Ulster.
The openside was playing only his fifth game of the season for Leinster and suffered the match-ending injury after 52 minutes. He received on-field treatment but looked in considerable pain.
RTE, who were broadcasting the match, got confirmation from the Leinster dressing room that O’Brien had dislocated his shoulder. A shoulder injury, depending on its severity, may mean a five to six week spell on the sidelines. Ireland begin their Six Nations campaign at home to Scotland on 2 February.
There was another worrying sight for Ireland coach Joe Schmidt, on 57 minutes, as inside centre Luke Marshall hobbled from the field of play. He was replaced by Michael Allen.
Leinster withstood a furious Ulster drive for a losing bonus point in the closing stages and closed out the tie for a 19-6 win. Matt O’Connor’s men are now second in the league, seven points behind Munster.