Tommy Bowe ruled out of 2016 Six Nations

Ireland wing Tommy Bowe has been ruled out of the 2016 RBS 6 Nations Championship with a knee injury suffered during the World Cup quarter-final defeat against Argentina nine days ago.

Bowe's provincial team Ulster confirmed that he will be sidelined for six months at least.

"Tommy sustained posterior cruciate ligament and meniscal injuries to his right knee during the Rugby World Cup quarter-final against Argentina," Ulster Rugby said.

"He had successful surgery to repair the damage yesterday, and he will be ruled out for at least six months."

Bowe, 31, has won 67 caps and scored 30 Test tries for Ireland. He featured in four out of Ireland's five fixtures during England 2015, scoring three tries.

Ulster, meanwhile, have also provided updates on two more of their injured international internationals - lock Iain Henderson (hand) and centre Jared Payne (foot) - who were both hurt during the World Cup.

"Iain will undergo surgery later today to stabilise a joint in his hand, which was also injured in the Argentina fixture. He will be of action for approximately six weeks," Ulster added.

"Jared's fractured foot was stabilised through successful surgery. Ulster Rugby is awaiting his first post-operative review, after which a prognosis will be known."