The 28-year-old has suffered a recurrence of a shoulder injury that he sustained whilst playing for Leinster in the Heineken Cup, and was duly withdrawn from the Ireland squad that will convene for a five-day training camp in Dublin.

His place in the 34-man squad has been taken by uncapped Roger Wilson, the 23-year-old flanker who has been rewarded for a string of impressive performances for Ulster this season.

Coach Eddie O’Sullivan, who will name his team early next week, has still not ruled out new captain Brian O’Driscoll, who is struggling to overcome a hamstring injury.

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