The World Cup exacted a huge price on Ireland's players and Ulster are being forced to pick up the pieces.
The province suffered the greatest physical toll with Jared Payne and Tommy Bowe both suffering major injuries at the tournament, while it has now emerged that Iain Henderson has joined them in the treatment room on his return to Ravenhill.
The forward was one of Ireland's World Cup stars, but an injury to a joint in his hand will require surgery that will delay his provincial return by at least six weeks, likely ruling him out of Ulster's opening four Champions Cup fixtures.
The news is far worse for Bowe and Payne, unfortunately.
Bowe suffered serious knee ligament injuries against Argentina and will be sidelined for at least six months, effectively ending his season, while Payne must wait for further assessment of his fractured foot after his surgery before learning how long he will be out.
