Dave Kilcoyne to undergo neck surgery that will rule him out for the remainder of the season

Munster have confirmed a Dave Kilcoyne neck injury that could lead to him missing the Irish tour of New Zealand this summer.

Munster’s weekly injury report has confirmed that long serving prop Dave Kilcoyne will be out for up to 12 weeks. Kilcoyne will have to undergo consultations and a possible neck surgery.

The neck injury that Kilcoyne has suffered is sure to force him out for the remainder of the season. This is a huge blow as Kilcoyne’s influence on the pitch has visibly been a difference maker throughout this season.

For Munster Kilcoyne will now be missing the Champions Cup quarter finals against Toulouse. The French side are flying high this season and have recently defeated Ulster over two legs to progress in the European Cup, a competition they beat Munster in last year en route to winning.

Kilcoyne is also set to miss the play-offs in this seasons URC competition.

Kilcoyne last played a Rugby match when he earned his 48th cap for Andy Farrells Irish side. He came off the bench against Scotland in the Six Nations campaign this year where he sustained his neck injury and was subsequently subbed off once again.

This injury is also a huge blow to Andy Farrell as his side prepare to take on the All Blacks over a three game test series this summer. Kilcoyne’s ball carrying skill coupled with excellent scrummaging make him a vital asset to a side that will need all the help they can get.

Munster will also have to work around an Injury to flanker John Hodnett who has really stepped up his game in the Munster red this season. The return of captain Peter O’Mahony will help the clubs injury woes only slightly as they still have to see star lock Tadgh Beirne return to action also.