A shoulder injury is set to rule Johnny Sexton out of Ireland’s upcoming three-Test tour to South Africa according to a report in today’s Irish Independent.

The Leinster out-half picked up the injury in the Guinness Pro12 final defeat to Connacht at Murrayfield, though did complete the full 80 minutes despite receiving medical treatment on the pitch.

Head coach Joe Schmidt is expected to confirm his absence at a press conference today and the news is a huge blow to Ireland who go in search of a first ever win on South African soil.

Bordeaux bound Ian Madigan is expected to be called into the squad as a replacement after being omitted from the original selection.

The Irish Independent is reporting that the 30-year-old underwent surgery yesterday and now follows Luke Fitzgerald on the absentee list after the winger was ruled out on Monday.

Connacht’s Matt Healy could be called into a squad already shorn of the services of Sean O'Brien, Cian Healy and Tommy Bowe.

New Springbok coach Allister Coetzee meanwhile has own injury concerns.

In-form lock Pieter-Steph du Toit has already ruled out while Jesse Kriel (bruised sternum) and prop Trevor Nyakane (shoulder) have yet to prove their fitness.

The first of three Tests against the Springboks takes place in Cape Town on 11 June.