DAN LEAVY IS set to progress into full training with Leinster next week as he nears his return from a minor shoulder procedure during the summer.
The 24-year-old had a stunning 2017/18 season, helping his province to Champions Cup and Pro14 glory as he was named Leinster players’ player of the year and supporters’ player of the year.
Leavy was instrumental in Ireland’s Grand Slam victory too, although he played only 40 minutes of the three-game tour of Australia in June after sitting out the first Test and then being forced off injured at half-time in the second Test.
It was a rib injury that ended Leavy’s involvement on that tour, where Joe Schmidt’s side clinched series success in the final Test in Sydney.
“I caught a pass from [Conor] Murray that wasn’t actually supposed to be for me but looked a bit stray so I caught it and carried,” said Leavy of how he sustained the injury.
“I got mashed in between Pocock and Coleman, they whacked me together and I just got compressed. The top couple of my ribs just popped out.”
Leavy recovered well from that injury and said that he had a ”small procedure” performed on his shoulder ahead of pre-season in order to remedy an ongoing issue in the joint.
“With a big season ahead, I needed to make sure I wasn’t just right, but that I was durable and would be able to get through everything as best I can,” said Leavy. “It’s better to get it sorted now rather than trying to manage it through this season.
“Last season was a pretty long season so I did need a little bit of a break but I’ve got an itch to play again now for the last couple of weeks, so I’m ready to go.”
The likelihood is that Leavy is still some weeks away from playing for Leinster, although head coach Leo Cullen indicated that they expect the openside to feature in the Guinness Pro14 before the Champions Cup gets underway in October.
Leavy said he has been “flying along” with his rehab and training regime ahead of integrating back in with the rest of the squad next week.
Having underlined his world-class ability last season, great things will be expected from Leavy again in 2018/19 and the powerful back row isn’t wasting any time reflecting on the past.
“I had the op and went straight back into Leinster and was rehabbing away. I haven’t really looked back,” said Leavy.
“I’m a driven person and I’d always be looking forward. It’s a huge season ahead and then the World Cup at the end of it, so it’s no time to be resting on your laurels. I actually just can’t wait to get going.”
Dan Leavy teamed up with Dublin’s Alan Brogan and Para Athletics European Championships double bronze medallist Orla Comerford to launch the second Family SportFest, which takes place at the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus on Sunday, 30 September 2018.
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