LEO CULLEN HAS confirmed that former Ireland U20 hooker Tadgh McElroy has signed a short-term contract with Leinster ahead of their United Rugby Championship game against Connacht on Friday.
Most recently with London Irish in the English Premiership, the Dundalk native impressed while in action for the province’s ‘A’ team in recent weeks.
A hat-trick of tries against Connacht ‘A’ stands out and McElroy, who also represented Saracens, Bristol Bears and Ealing Trailfinders, has been praised for grasping his opportunity since returning to Ireland.
“Tadgh has performed really well over a number of games with the ‘A’ team,” Cullen explained.
“He’s a good addition to the squad over the next few months and has taken his chance well over the last few games and we wish him well.”
On the injury front, Leinster confirmed that Caelan Doris will be available to play after coming through the Graduated Return to Play Protocols, while both Dave Kearney (adductor) an Jack Conan (back) will require further assessment this week.
Jordan Larmour’s foot injury requires further tests after he was withdrawn in the first half against Cell C Sharks, while the trio of Rhys Ruddock, Luke McGrath and Ryan Baird have all entered the Graduated Return to Play Protocols after their Head Injury Assessments.
Great signing. Hopefully he’ll get a good runout
@Colm Cunningham: Presumably just injury cover for Kelleher and Sheehan
@TL55: I’d imagine so. Pretty decent cover. Massively talented player.
@TL55: even so. Both will likely be gone for international games plus injuries if they happen.
@whoowhat?: No URC games during International weekends this season hence reduction in overall no of games & so squad sizes.
If he can fulfill his potential, it’s a great signing to get him back in the Irish system. Could be a great signing.
Correct me if I’m wrong but didn’t mc Elroy turn down offers here to sign for saracens a few years back in order to play for England ?
@Michael Uzice: Prodigal son time if he’s good enough. That said, he’s not really needed for Ireland now with the two top guys at Leinster being so good.
@Michael Uzice: Fairly sure he didn’t have any offers from Leinster as they already filled the hooker position, so that’s why he signed for Saracen’s. Sean Cronin is retired & I can’t imagine James Tracy will be sticking around for too long at 31 and never really reached huge heights. And now with McKee playing very well. It does make you wonder how the highly rated prospect of Lee Barron is going to get his place in the team with Dan Sheehan, Ronan Kelleher, John McKee, Tadhg McElroy & James Tracy all ahead of him. Incredibly strong in that area nonetheless.