There was mixed news on the injury front for Leinster as they shape up for a Champions Cup trip to La Rochelle on Sunday.
The clash will be the latest chapter in the long-burning rivalry between the two sides; while it will also mark Ronan O’Gara facing off with Irish opposition once again.
The province come into the European clash currently undefeated across the season to date.
Will James Lowe return for Leinster before the Six Nations? Pic: John Dickson/Sportsfile
Leo Cullen‘s side will welcome back a number of international frontliners for the French trip, while a number of others are back to full strength after recent comebacks.
Jack Conan is back in the mix after overcoming the issue he sustained against Connacht last month, while Ciarán Frawley, Hugo Keenan, and Thomas Clarkson are all back for selection.
Continuing on the positive front, Jamie Osborne, Jordan Larmour and Tommy O’Brien all came through the game against Munster over Christmas with no issues after their return from injury.
Ronan O’Gara faces off with Leinster in the Champions Cup on Sunday. Pic: David Rogers/Getty Images
Max Deegan has also come through the graduated return to play protocols and is available for selection.
It’s not all good news for Leinster – or Ireland – as there is no further update on the condition of James Lowe.
The international wing has not played a minute of action after pulling out of the final November clash against Australia with a calf problem.
James Lowe of Leinster celebrates after scoring his side’s first try during the URC match between Leinster and Munster at Croke Park in Dublin. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Tyler Bleyendaal, Leinster’s attack coach, has since confirmed that the 32-year-old is a number of weeks away from a return.
‘He’s still away from team training at the minute but hopefully to reintegrate soon,’ he explained.
‘I’m not sure how long “soon” is but he’s not training with us at the minute. I’d say weeks.’
BKT United Rugby Championship, RDS, Dublin 11/5/2024 Leinster vs Ospreys Leinster’s Tadhg Furlong. Pic: INPHO/Ryan Byrne
With Ireland’s Six Nations campaign beginning against England on February 1, that puts a serious time pressure on Lowe to return.
Elsewhere, Tadhg Furlong is due to step up his rehabilitation this week and will be further assessed as the week goes on before a final decision is made on his availability.
Dan Sheehan, James Culhane, Michael Milne, Rob Russell, Will Connors, and Liam Turner all remain longer-term absentees.
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Author : rugby-247
Publish date : 2025-01-08 17:48:16
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