Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan has been dealt a severe blow with today's news that winger Shane Horgan will be ruled out for between four and six weeks after sustaining cartilage damage.

Horgan picked up the injury during Leinster's final Heineken Cup pool game in which they lost to Gloucester over the weekend.

The news means Horgan will definitely miss the beginning of the Six Nations campaign as Ireland's first game is away to Wales at the Millennium Stadiun on Sunday, February 4th. Ireland host France at Croke Park the following Sunday; a game Horgan will also miss.

It is possible, if his recovery goes according to plan, that Horgan could return in time for the England game at Croke Park on Saturday, February 24th.