Foley goes under the knife

The 26-year-old was called into Joe Schmidt's extended Ireland training squad earlier this month.

But Munster, who lie third in the GUINNESS PRO12 table, two points behind leaders Ospreys, report Foley will be missing from their second row for three months.

The earliest he could return to action, therefore, would be in the penultimate regular season game against Ulster Rugby at the Kingspan Stadium.

A statement on Munster's official website announced: "It has been confirmed that Dave Foley will miss Ireland's Six Nations campaign after sustaining a wrist injury.

"Foley, who was replaced early in the second half during Munster's final Champions Cup game against Sale Sharks on Sunday, was one of ten players that departed for the Ireland Camp in Carton House that evening.

"Following further assessment and a surgical consultation the Clonmel-man underwent surgery yesterday in Dublin and has been ruled out for approximately three months."

Munster return to domestic action against Cardiff Blues on February 14.

Follow us on Facebook, join the conversation on Twitter, sign up to our YouTube channel for extensive match highlights and sign up for our newsletter for regular updates on the GUINNESS PRO12.