Earls, 25, has been in impressive domestic form for Munster this season, scoring a fine try on his first appearance of the season against Ulster, but the club confirmed his injury, revealing he is not under consideration to play against Racing Metro in the Heineken Cup on Saturday.

“Not such good news for Keith Earls who has been ruled out of the Heineken Cup game with Racing Metro,” said a Munster statement.

“Earls (groin) saw a specialist this afternoon and will be out for a number of weeks.”

The news will come as a major blow to Ireland coach Declan Kidney, who started Earls in the centres and on the wing during the three summer Tests against New Zealand.

Earls, who has 32 caps to his name, also started four of Ireland’s RBS 6 Nations matches earlier this year, scoring a memorable try against Italy as he deputised for the injured Brian O’Driscoll at outside centre.

Ireland’s autumn internationals begin against South Africa on November 10 at Lansdowne Road and conclude with the visit of Argentina to Dublin two weeks later.