Ireland and Ulster winger Andrew Trimble has been ruled out for the rest of the season due to a reoccurrence of a toe injury.
The problems have kept the 30-year-old on the sidelines since October, but it was initially expected that he would be fit enough to return to play some part in the Six Nations.
However, Trimble was unable to make it back in time to be included in the squad, and his club have confirmed that he will not play again until next season.
A statement on the Ulster website read: "Andrew Trimble will miss the rest of this season, following confirmation that he has suffered a reoccurrence of the toe injury that he sustained in October against Glasgow Warriors.
"He underwent surgery in London today and is expected to be out of rugby until the summer.
"It is anticipated that he will make a full recovery ahead of pre-season and the Rugby World Cup."
Trimble has won 57 caps for Ireland since his debut in 2005.
Callum Mulvihill
