The Leinster wing suffered the injury just 12 minutes after replacing Keith Earls in Ireland’s defeat in Rome, and is another setback in what has been an injury-plagued few years for the 2009 British and Irish Lion.

The 25-year-old turned professional in 2006 but has now suffered three serious knee injuries, and a neck problem which saw his contract at Leinster reduced from international status to a one-year-deal.

There was some good news for Fitzgerald, with Leinster revealing a new contract is on the table and will remain so despite the pending surgery.

“He was starting to show some real signs of form,” said Leinster assistant coach Richie Murphy.

“There’s an offer on the table for Luke and he should be back at the start of next season, and as far as I know the contract that has been offered is still there and available.”

Leinster manager Guy Easterby added: “It’s the same knee, no damage to the old injury.”