By John Fallon

Connacht’s hopes of Pro12 and Challenge Cup glory have been dealt a massive blow with out-half Jack Carty possibly set to miss the rest of the season after rupturing his spleen while on holiday in Dubai.

Coach Pat Lam said that the 23-year old has not been ruled out for the remainder of the season at this stage and that the priority concern at the moment is for him to make a recovery.

Carty’s parents have flown to Dubai to be with him as he underwent surgery this morning to have his spleen removed.

Lam confirmed that Carty will be out of action for one to three months following the accident which happened on a waterslide.

The out-half, who has featured in 17 of Connacht’s 19 games this season, was on holiday with three other Connacht players when the incident happened at the weekend.

“Unfortunately Jack Carty had an accident on a waterslide on a break last week in Dubai. He thought it was just deep bruising but he ruptured his spleen and he had surgery over in Dubai this morning,” said Lam.

“The spleen has been removed, he will stay in hospital in Dubai to recover and we are looking at anything from one to three months recovery before he can take part in any contact training.

It is disappointing news for us but the main thing now is for Jack to make a full recovery. His parents are over there with him,” he added.

Carty, a former Irish U-20 international who has chalked up 99 points this season, is expected to return to Ireland next week.