HUGO KEENAN WILL not be available for selection for Leinster’s URC match away to the Lions on Saturday (KO: 2pm, live on RTÉ 2 and Premier Sport).
The full-back has been “managing a hip injury the last few weeks,” according to Leinster. He suffered “a minor flare up” of the injury during the captain’s run a day before the Champions Cup quarter-final against La Rochelle, and remains unavailable for selection this weekend.
Out-half Ross Byrne, who had a starring role in the victory over La Rochelle, was withdrawn from the game on Saturday with “a minor leg injury” and will be further assessed this week, according to Leinster.
Versatile back Jimmy O’Brien will be further assessed this week as he nears a return from a neck injury. Garry Ringrose and Charlie Ngatai will also be assessed this week as they return from shoulder and calf injuries respectively.
Luke McGrath came through the game at the weekend with no issues after his return from the graduated return to play protocols.
There are no updates on: James Ryan (arm), Tommy O’Brien (hamstring) and Alex Soroka (foot).
Presuming Leinster send a B team to SA. Bulls will be hoping they drop points and bulls will go full out for top spot with pretty much all home games now till the end …would like to see a fully loaded Leinster playing the bulls in the final in Pretoria ..that would be awesome to see….
@Stuart: I say they will send a B side with the Northampton game after the SA tour
@Stuart: I reckon Munster are more than a bit offended that the Bulls couldn’t be bothered playing their strongest team in CC quarter final. Hoping for a cracking match.
@sean o’farrell: send a good mix, start most of the first squad in game 1 and the so called B team in game 2 with a strong bench. Loads of game time and fantastic team building trip.
@chris mcdonnell: they may fly the A team back after the Lions game – I think they did that a few season ago – B team should still be stronger than the team we put out last year when we played the Bulls
This season could work for Leinster. Last year; the URC and Champions Cup Semi finals were all in May This year, URC doesn’t finish until June; so they won’t have to decide which semi final to priortise. They can go full strength for both. So if Leinster are going to do the double; this is the year to do it They won’t get as long a season next year, so managing knockouts of two completions with a trip to SA will be more difficult.