Ireland prop Andrew Porter will miss the remainder of the 2022 Guinness Six Nations after sustaining an ankle injury in Round 3 against Italy last weekend.
Porter was substituted early in the second half on Sunday at the Aviva Stadium after appearing to roll his ankle in a match the hosts eventually won 57-6.
Earlier this week it was hoped Porter, who has made 43 appearances for his country, and centre Robbie Henshaw would be able to return for Ireland’s upcoming matches against England and Scotland.
Loosehead Porter had returned to light training though further scans have shown that he will be unable to regain fitness by the end of the Championship, and he has returned to Leinster to undergo further treatment.
An Irish Rugby statement said: “Following a scan on his injured ankle, Andrew Porter has been ruled out of the remainder of our Guinness Six Nations campaign.
“He has returned to Leinster Rugby and his medical treatment will be managed by the Leinster Medical Team.”
Dave Kilcoyne came off the bench to replace Porter four days ago and is a likely contender to replace the prop in Andy Farrell’s squad.
The experienced Cian Healy and Finlay Bealham are other potential options to provide cover for the No.1 jersey.
Ireland sit second in the Guinness Six Nations, having started the Championship with a convincing Round 1 win over Wales before falling to leaders France at the Stade de France in Round 2.
Farrell’s side will next be in action at Twickenham against England next weekend before concluding their campaign in Dublin against Scotland on Super Saturday.
The squad held an open training session for the first time since 2020 this morning, with fans allowed into the Aviva Stadium to watch the team prepare for their final two matches alongside Richie Murphy’s Under-20s, who are going for their second Grand Slam in four years.
