Ireland and Connacht centre Robbie Henshaw is set to be ruled out for up to six weeks after he injured his hand at the end of Connacht's 18-12 win over Munster.
22-year-old Henshaw played a pivotal role at Thomond Park as Pat Lam’s men secured a famous victory, stepping brilliantly to set up Bundee Aki for the game’s decisive score.
However Henshaw was then injured in the last play of the game, and a Connacht statement said he has suffered a metarcarpal fracture.
The news will be a big blow for Lam, whose side now sit at the top of the Pro 12 having won seven of their eight games so far this season.
Henshaw is set to miss a number of crucial fixtures over the busy Christmas period, including the St Stephen’s Day visit of Ulster and the trip to play Leinster at the RDS on New Year’s Day.
Henshaw's injury will also be a cause for concern for Ireland boss Joe Schmidt, with a pre-Six Nations training camp taking place in January.
Ther was further bad news for Lam as it was confirmed backrow Nepia Fox-Matamua will be out for six months after rupturing his ACL in the Challenge Cup win over Brive.
