Munster full-back Sean Scanlon has been ruled out of action until after Christmas after undergoing surgery to correct a back problem.
24-year-old Scanlon went under the knife two weeks ago and the Munster medical team expect the recovery process to keep him sidelined until late January.
The Cork Constitution flyer was an important member of the Munster A squad which achieved British and Irish Cup glory last season.
His setback comes just weeks after first choice number 15 Felix Jones made his long awaited return after undergoing surgery on a shoulder injury.