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Fitzgerald to undergo surgery

Saturday 5 May 2012 12:41, UK

Image: Season over: Luke Fitzgerald

Versatile Leinster back Luke Fitzgerald has been ruled out of the Heineken Cup final and Ireland's tour of New Zealand.

Neck injury forces utility back to miss Heineken Cup final

Versatile Leinster back Luke Fitzgerald has been ruled out of the Heineken Cup final and Ireland's tour of New Zealand. Fitzgerald requires surgery on an ongoing neck injury and following consultation between the Leinster and IRFU Medical staff, it has been decided that he will have the operation sooner, rather than later. A statement from the IRFU on Friday confirmed that the 24-year-old will miss Ireland's June tour to New Zealand and the European Cup decider against Ulster at Twickenham on May 19. "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," said Leinster head coach Joe Schmidt. "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. "Knowing Luke, he will be determined to overcome this setback and aggressively tackle his rehab to regain full fitness and he will continue to benefit from the full support of Leinster Rugby and the IRFU during that time frame."

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