Kearney's Lions hopes dented by bicep surgery

Rob Kearney's hopes of featuring for the British and Irish Lions later this year have suffered a further blow after Leinster revealed he will be out for "a number of weeks" with an arm injury.

The full-back missed Ireland's final Six Nations game against England last month with a knee problem, which Leinster coach Leo Cullen estimated would leave him sidelined for four to six weeks.

With Lions coach Warren Gatland set to announce his squad on April 19 ahead of a first tour match in New Zealand on June 3, Leinster confirmed Kearney has sustained a fresh injury concern, which could well rule him out of contention.

"There was further bad news for Rob Kearney, who is already out with a knee issue, as he underwent an operation last Wednesday on his bicep and will be out for a number of weeks with that injury," Leinster said in a release.

Gatland is blessed with options for the number 15 shirt, with Scotland's Stuart Hogg, England's Mike Brown and the Welsh duo of Leigh Halfpenny and Liam Williams all in the frame to feature at full-back.