Ireland and Leinster flanker Sean O’Brien will miss the upcoming World Cup in Japan because of a hip injury suffered against Saracens two weeks ago.

The Irish province confirmed that the back-rower, who has signed a contract to play for London Irish next season, will undergo surgery on the problem and will miss the next six months.

Due the IRFU’s policy of not selecting overseas-based players, it is likely that O’Brien has played his final game for Ireland.

The 32-year-old featured in the recent Six Nations and has earned 56 caps for the national team, with the last of those coming against Wales.

He also represented the British and Irish Lions in the 2013 and ’17 tours, and has been a crucial part of Leinster’s success over the past decade.

A statement from the Dubliners read: “Back-row Seán O’Brien – who lifted the PRO14 trophy yesterday in Celtic Park on behalf of the 57 Leinster players that competed over the 23-game domestic season – will undergo surgery in the next few weeks for a hip injury and as a result will be ruled out of action for up to six months.

“As a result he has been ruled out of the Rugby World Cup in Japan.

“Everyone at Leinster Rugby wishes Seán the very best of luck with his recovery and of course with his move to London Irish later in the year.”