Murphy may miss remainder of season.

Local media in Leicester are reporting that Leicester and Ireland full-back Geordan Murphy has been ruled out for the rest of the season.

It was initially reported that Murphy had suffered a dislocated ankle playing for Leicester against Northampton last weekend; however, both BBC Radio Leicester and the Leicester Mercury newspaper are now saying that he has suffered two broken bones in his foot as well as ligament damage.

The news will come as a blow to Ireland head coach Declan Kidney, with first choice full-back Rob Kearney already ruled out for the early stages of the RBS 6 Nations.

It is reported that he will undergo surgery in the next seven days, the extent of the injury is expected to be confirmed once Leicester receive the specialists' report.

Tigers coach Richard Cockerill said: 'It's really disappointing for Geordan; he was coming in to some good form.'

Luke Fitzgerald, who has played at full-back for Leinster in recent weeks, could also replace Kearney and Murphy in the national side. Gavin Duffy and Johne Murphy could also come into the frame while Jamie Smith and Denis Hurley are other Irish qualified players who have filled the 15 jersey for provincial teams in recent months.