Ireland: Three Leinster players ruled out of the Autumn Nations Series

Leinster Rugby Head Coach Leo Cullen has issued an injury update ahead of the Province's clash with Munster and it's grim reading for Ireland's Autumn Internationals.

Will Connors returned from a lengthy spell on the sidelines at the start of the season and unfortunately for the flanker, he will be out of action for a further 12 weeks. He missed Leinster's win over Connacht due to the bicep injury which will take 12 weeks to recover from, ruling him out of the November test matches.

Hooker Rónan Kelleher and flyhalf Harry Byrne both suffered hamstring injuries and will be unavailable for up to eight weeks, a further blow for Andy Farrell's charges.

Concerns over Jack Conan (eye), James Ryan (knee) and Josh van der Flier (ankle) were not eased yet as the trio will need further assessment this week.

Farrell could be without several stars when his side take on South Africa, Fiji and Australia as James Lowe (calf) and Jamison Gibson-Park (hamstring) are still on Leinster's injury list while Connacht centre Bundee Aki will miss at least the first two tests through suspension. 

On a positive note, Hugo Keenan will step up his rehabilitation this week from abdominal and knee injuries. Luke McGrath, Rhys Ruddock and Ryan Baird will also continue to follow the Graduated Return to Play Protocols this week and subject to coming through, will be available for selection.

The Ireland head coach is set to announce his squad next week.