Ulster Rugby have confirmed that Michael Lowry has undergone surgery on a facial injury sustained in the province’s recent URC win over the Sharks in Belfast.
The 23-year-old full-back scored in the 24-21 victory on May 20 but required several minutes of medical treatment following a tackle on Sharks back Apehele Fassi.
As he was helped from the pitch TV footage showed blood streaming from Lowry's face and a heavy swelling developing around his cheek below the right eye socket.
Lowry missed Friday’s thumping quarter-final win over Interpro rivals Munster at the Kingspan Stadium and will remain unavailable for the foreseeable future.
It is a sickening setback for the in-form No15 who is now a major doubt for Ireland's tour of New Zealand.
Andy Farrell is due to name his squad next week with the first of three tests against the All Blacks on July 2.
The Ulster Rugby Medical Performance team confirmed Lowry’s surgery in an official squad update ahead of Saturday’s URC semi-final with the Stormers in South Africa.
The update read: “Ulster Rugby has no new injury concerns resulting from Friday’s URC quarter-final win at Kingspan Stadium against Munster.
“Michael Lowry has had surgery for his recent facial injury, and he remains unavailable for selection.”
Squad updates are provided in association with The Ulster Independent Clinic.
Lowry was replaced by Stewart Moore for the last-eight tie with Munster and the 22-year-old delivered with two tries in a comprehensive 36-17 win at the Kingspan Stadium.
Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox.
