LEINSTER HAVE CONFIRMED that hooker Rónan Kelleher is a doubt for this weekend’s highly-anticipated URC clash with Munster at Croke Park after suffering an ankle injury.
Kelleher was withdrawn early in Leinster’s win over Benetton last weekend and with fellow hookers Dan Sheehan and John McKee already sidelined, the province have recalled academy hooker Gus McCarthy from the Emerging Ireland tour.
McCarthy left South Africa this afternoon and will be available for the Munster clash, with 23-year-old Lee Barron looking likely to start if Kelleher is ruled out.
Leo Cullen’s side could also be without wings Jimmy O’Brien and Jordan Larmour against Munster, who have big injury concerns of their own.
O’Brien picked up a hamstring injury against Benetton, coming off before half time, while Larmour missed that game due to what Leinster said was “precaution” over an unspecified injury. The issues for O’Brien and Larmour come on top of existing injuries for Leinster wings Tommy O’Brien and Rob Russell.
Leinster say Larmour, O’Brien, and Kelleher will be further assessed this week.
In positive news, loosehead prop Jack Boyle returns to training this week after overcoming his foot injury.
His fellow loosehead, Paddy McCarthy, remains sidelined.
Opportunity to play Ringrose on wing and start Henshaw at 13 – I think the Nienbar defense might operate better with Robbie there
@Owen ODonoghue:
15 osbourne
14 keanan
13 ringrose
12 henshaw
11 lowe
10 frawely
9 gibson park
8 doris
7 jvdf
6 conan
5 RG S
4 ryan
3 furlong
2 barron
1 porter
16 Mccarthy, 17 healy, 18 slimqni
19 Mccarthy 20 deagan 21, gunne 22 Eddie hekenui
@chris mcdonnell: I see you are so determined to ensure that Ross Byrne doesn’t play that you would prefer to name a 22 man squad instead of 23!
@Paul Ennis: The 42 did not allow my laughing emojis by the way!
@chris mcdonnell: can’t wait to see Hekenui back !!!
Good to see improved injury updates from Leinster this season, hopefully that will continue. The league could definitely improve some transparency in this area taking another leaf from the NFL.
Leinster’s wing options have been truly clipped. Osborne must be a candidate surely? Covering back 3 is a guaranteed entry to matchday 23 for the big games. His fielding skills are wasted at 12.
Like the backline selection by @chris McConnell (above). Keenan has lots of experience as a winger & Osborne now has sufficient at full-back. Henshaw and Ringer in the centre needs no explanation.
Up front, I’m fairly certain for both political and rugby reasons, we won’t start Synman but will see Ryan and McCarthy together. Deegan (for opposition lineouts) may be a temptation for No 6 jersey but I think Conan gets it.
Farrell may want Healy on the bench, but Leo & McBride may prefer Milne (future investment). Farrell’s view will prevail.
@Des Lamont: neither Milne or Clarkson can scrummage and would give munster an advantage when the bench come on.
So you’re telling me there’s a chance…!
Injury ravaged Leinster, Munster won’t get a better chance to beat them.
@Aidan Farrell: hilarious
@Aidan Farrell: Munster won’t beat them,Leinster by 12
Well that sums it all up!! What team should Leinster play and who should play where! Leinster, Leinster, Leinster! So myopic. I hurries to Leinster are now to be seen as “opportunities” for other teams, implying that if Leinster were to lose there is a well established excuse already out there in advance to explain it. Petty and childish. Every manager is now thinking like Kevin Keegan, “I will love it if we beat them…” Keep up the good work. PROPaganda.. Excuse the pun!
@David Gaffney: You’re prone to the most silly and egregious outbursts on here but this takes the biscuit. Can I have a bit of whatever it is you’re smoking?
@David Gaffney: are you alright there
@graham crosby: he is an absolute pothole. Literally ranting and raving about an article on a Leinster specific injury update. Munster hadn’t even given their injury update!