Ulster have confirmed that Jacob Stockdale is set to sit out the remainder of the 2021/22 campaign as he continues his recovery from an ankle operation.
The Ireland winger, who has been missing in action since September, told his Instagram followers on Monday that surgery earlier this week “probably means the end of my season”.
And the Kingspan Stadium club has confirmed they are likely to be without the 25-year-old until next season.
In a medical update ahead of Saturday’s Champions Cup tie with Clermont, Ulster stated: “Jacob Stockdale suffered a recent setback in the rehabilitation of his ankle injury.
"Following further consultation with his specialist, he underwent surgery on Monday of this week. He is not expected to play again this season.”
Stockdale’s last outing for Ulster was in a 35-29 win over Glasgow in the United Rugby Championship on the opening day of the season on September 24.
On his Instagram, he wrote: “It has been a really frustrating couple of months for me with this ankle as nothing has seemed to go right with it. But hey, that’s life.
“Glad to have gotten the operation now and hopefully it puts me on the right track back to recovery!
“I’m gutted this probably means the end of my season but gives me an opportunity to come back fitter and stronger than ever.”
Meanwhile, Ulster have confirmed that prop Andrew Warwick sustained a “suspected concussion” in Sunday’s Champions Cup win at Northampton.
Victory at Franklin’s Gardens made it three wins from three in the group stages and booked the province’s place in the last-16 of the competition.
Dan McFarland’s men conclude their pool campaign at home to Clermont this weekend.
