LEINSTER FORWARDS COACH had a short list to think up when asked which players would be unavailable for this Sunday’s Champions Cup semi-final against Toulon.
Leinster opted to take a selection of their recognised first choice players out of the firing line for the weekend Pro12 loss away to Dragons, and that move has at least had one positive of giving certain players more time to prepare for the toughest test in European rugby.
Cullen is hopeful that Shane Jennings can be passed fit after a head injury in Wales. The retiring flanker is following return to play protocols.
Fergus McFadden has passed his RTPs after suffering a concussion in the quarter-final win over Bath while Rob Kearney, Sean Cronin and Cian Healy are also in line to be involved in the game that could define Matt O’Connor’s season.
On the list of absentees are the long and medium-term missing men from the pack. Rhys Ruddock’s arm continues to keep the versatile flanker out of the side and Wallaby lock Kane Douglas’ five-week absence is to continue as he has not yet trained since suffering injuring a disc in his back.
“He’s working away in the gym,” Cullen says of the second row, “it’s week to week to see how he goes.”
