Paddy Jackson has added to Ireland's problems at five-eighth after he was ruled out of the entire 2015 Six Nations with a dislocated elbow.
Ulster, Jackson's provincial side, said he would need surgery to repair the damage and faces at least 12 weeks on the sidelines.
His absence has deprived Ireland coach Joe Schmidt of both his leading five-eighths for the Six Nations opener away to Italy on February 7 as first-choice Jonny Sexton has already been ruled out of the trip to Rome.
Sexton is currently in the middle of an enforced 12-week break after suffering four concussions in a year but the British and Irish Lions star should be fit for Ireland's match against England at Twickenham on March 1.
In the meantime, Ian Madigan and Ian Keatley are set to compete for the right to wear the green No.10 shirt against Italy.
"Paddy Jackson suffered a dislocated elbow in Saturday's defeat to Toulon at Stade Mayol," said an Ulster statement.
"A scan on Monday revealed that he has an unstable joint and that he will require surgery.
"He is expected to be out of rugby for between 10 and 12 weeks."
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