Jamie Heaslip sustained three fractured vertebrae during Saturday's win against France.
French second row Pascal Pape received a yellow card for the knee to the Irish no. 8's back which caused the injury. He has also been cited and will appear before a disciplinary committee later in the week.
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The IRFU say that the injury will keep Heaslip out for approximately four weeks which means he will miss the game against England in Dublin on March 1st.
He could return for the clashes against Wales on March 14th and then Scotland the following week.
Does this mean we will see Sean O'Brien at 8 against England?
See also: Five GIFs Of Sean O’Brien Being An Absolute Beast
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Picture credit: Ramsey Cardy / SPORTSFILE
