Groin injury ends Josh van der Flier's season

Leinster will miss the services of Ireland international Josh van der Flier for the remainder of the season following a groin injury.

The news was confirmed by the club's head coach Leo Cullen, who revealed that the 25-year-old has undergone a surgery that will keep him on the sidelines for at least 12 weeks.

“The surgery has gone well for him but it’ll mean he’s likely to miss the rest of the season,” Cullen told the media.

“Josh has been incredibly unlucky – he missed last year as well, he got injured during the Six Nations against France in the first game when Dan (Leavy) steps in instead.

“Josh has been going incredibly well for us this year, he works hard. It’s just another blow for him but, hopefully, he’ll get himself in good shape again and get himself ready for World Cup plans and games prior to the World Cup.”

This also means van der Flier will miss this weekend's Champions Cup quarter-final game against Ulster at Aviva Stadium and also the remainder of the Pro14 season that sees Leinster at the top of the Conference A table with 15 wins from 18 games.