Josh van der Flier ruled out of Ireland tour to South Africa

Following his outstanding breakthrough season Josh van der Flier will sit out Ireland’s summer tour to South Africa and Leinster’s Pro 12 semi-final against Ulster in the RDS on Friday week.

The flanker saw a specialist on Monday after injuring his ankle (syndesmosis) against Ulster. Following medical advice it was decided that he should have an operation to repair the damage.

The former Wesley College player had surgery on Tuesday and while it was judged a success, he will be out of rugby for eight weeks. Van der Flier would have been a very strong contender to make Joe Schmidt’s touring side.

The 23-year-old earned his first senior contract with Leinster in April 2015 and was picked by Schmidt for his first Test match less than a year later and made his debut against England in Twickenham in February.

Ireland will take on South Africa in three different venues over consecutive weekends in June. The first Test against the Springboks will take place in Cape Town on Saturday June 11th, the second Test will be held in Johannesburg on Saturday June 18th and the final Test of the series will be played in Port Elizabeth on Saturday June 25th.

Ireland have never won a Test match in South Africa and last toured there in 2004 when the hosts won the series 2-0. Since that series Ireland have won four of the six Test matches between the two nations, all of which have been played in Ireland.

Leinster also reported that Rob Kearney (ankle) and Johnny Sexton (quad), who were both both withdrawn against Benetton Treviso for precautionary reasons, are making good progress from both injuries.