Irish lock Quinn Roux has been ruled out of the remainder of the Six Nations and is not expected back in action until at least May.
The 30-year old, who won the last of his 16 caps against Scotland before Christmas, is to undergo surgery this week on a shoulder injury which he picked up just prior to the start of the Six Nations.
The South African had been included in Andy Farrell’s original Six Nations squad but returned to Connacht for medical assessment after suffering the injury in the lead-up to the Wales game.
Connacht coach Andy Friend said it was a big disappointment for the player and that he was a loss to the province and Ireland.
He added: “It’s a shame for him. He has had this ongoing shoulder that has given him some grief.
“In fact it’s been an issue the whole time I have been here and there hasn’t been a window for him so this is an opportunity for him to go and get that done and to get sorted and we see Quinn coming back and doing the things that he does.
Meanwhile, Connacht centre Peter Robb is also to undergo surgery this week for an abdomen injury picked up in the win way to Dragons last time out. It will not be known until after surgery how long the 26-year old will be sidelined.
Two players injured in the Connacht Eagles against Munster on Friday, back rower Sean O’Brien (neck) and back Conor Dean (shoulder) are being assessed while former Australian sevens international Ben O’Donnell, who picked up a head knock in his first start against Munster last month, also suffered a chest injury and is working through the return to play procedures.
Friend confirmed that Bundee Aki, Dave Heffernan and Ultan Dillane, who have returned to the Sportsground from Irish camp, will be available for Saturday’s home PRO14 clash with Cardiff Blues.
