Luke Fitzgerald has been ruled out for the rest of the season and will miss Leinster Rugby's bid to become only the second team in Heineken Cup history to successfull defend their title.
The Ireland and British & Irish Lions wing, who played throughout the semi-final win over ASM Clermont Auvergne in Bordeaux last weekend, is set to undergo surgery on an on-going neck problem in the next few weeks.
The decision was taken to bring a premature end to his season following consultation with Leinster and IRFU Medical staff.,Not only will be miss the Heineken Cup final against Ulster Rugby at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday, 19 May, but he has also ben ruled otu of Ireland's summer tour to New Zealand.
"Obviously to lose a player of Luke's pedigree at such a crucial time of the season is a massive blow, not just for the team and our supporters, but also for the player himself. Luke has been in fine form recently and as well as his capabilities on the field, he is a positive and popular presence within the dressing-room," said Leinster head coach Joe Schmidt
"Knowing Luke, he will be determined to overcome this setback and aggressively tackle his re-hab to regain full fitness and he will continue to benefit from the full support of Leinster Rugby and the IRFU during that time-frame."
Fitzgerald already has two Heineken Cup winners medals to his credit from 2009 and 2011 and was hoping to make it a hat-trick. He will also miss his side's bid for a league and cup double, as Schmidt's men try to scolop the RaboDirect PRO12 title as well
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