Niall Scannell ruled out of November internationals

Munster and Ireland hooker Niall Scannell faces an extended spell on the sidelines after undergoing surgery on a thumb injury.

Scannell is likely to be out of action for six weeks which ruled him out of Ireland's three November internationals against South Africa, Fiji & Argentina.

Joe Schmidt handed the Munsterman his Ireland debut during the 2016 Six Nations victory against Italy at the Aviva Stadium and he became the first choice hooker for Ireland's summer tour to USA & Japan.

The Corkman's absence means Leinster hooker Sean Cronin is likely to feature in November's internationals, although Cronin's Leinster team-mate James Tracy or Connacht's Dave Heffernan could also feature.