Denis Leamy has been ruled out of Ireland's defence of their Six Nations title with a knee injury, it was announced on Wednesday.

The Munster back-row forward suffered the injury in the closing stages of the Irish province's 37-14 European Cup pool win away to French club Perpignan on Sunday.

Leamy, 28, then underwent a scan and had an operation in Dublin on Tuesday.

He may now struggle to play again this season, with Munster saying they expect him to be out of action for between four to six months.

Leamy won the last of his 43 caps in Ireland's 41-6 thrashing of Fiji in Dublin in November.

Ireland, who last season won their first grand slam in 61 years, begin the defence of their Six Nations title at home to Italy on February 6.

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