LEINSTER’S RESOURCES WILL be stretched to the limit over the coming weeks, no more so than at out-half where Ross Byrne is the only fit and available option for Leo Cullen.
The 21-year-old is in line to make his first start of the season against Zebre on Saturday as the province look to record their sixth consecutive Pro12 victory.
With Johnny Sexton and Joey Carbery away on international duty and Cathal Marsh now ruled out for eight weeks with a finger injury, Byrne is set to play a big role for Leinster in the next few games.
Byrne, an Ireland U20 international, has made four senior appearances for Leinster and came on as a late replacement in Saturday’s win over Connacht.
“There’s two blocks of the season that are a challenge for the coaches – the November international period and the Six Nations – and that’s always a challenge, that juggling act of international players being away and lads being called up,” Girvan Dempsey said this afternoon.
“It’s brilliant because that’s what we’re trying to do – we’re trying to get as many players to succeed and get national call-ups. Then that provides an opportunity for other guys during those Test windows to step up.
“We’re fortunate that we have guys on form as they showed last weekend and this weekend, likewise against Zebre, other players will get a chance to play and show what they can do.”
Dempsey provided a largely positive injury update following the interpro victory over their western rivals with Rory O’Loughlin the only new concern.
The back, who has enjoyed a bright start to the season, is a doubt for the trip to Italy after injuring an AC joint strain during the game at the RDS.
Similarly, Rhys Ruddock will be monitored during the week by the Leinster medical staff as he works his way back from the calf tear which has kept him out of the last two games.
Dave Kearney’s ankle is proving to be a slow healer and he is once again unavailable for selection this week while Fergus McFadden remains a long-term absentee.
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