The Leinster and Ireland flanker has found the sport he loves to be a tough watch since his horror knee injury.

Tommy O’Donnell suffered a suspected broken leg while Rhys Marshall and Dan Goggin also took serious knocks.

The Leinster flanker injured his ACL on the opening day of the Six Nations and admits a wince at the brilliant performances of Dan Leavy in his absence.

‘In terms of someone that has had injuries in the past, I have yet to see a player that has worked as hard to get himself back in a position to play,” says forwrds coach Jimmy Duffy.

Second row Andrew Browne’s ankle injury requires surgery and he will now be out until the New Year.

The Leinster openside is seeking further counsel on the injury that keep him out for so much of last season.

‘We can be proud of our performance against the World Champions, but it still wasn’t good enough’, says the Tullow Tank.

After two appearances in an injury ravaged 10 months, the Munster openside is hoping to make his first team return permanent this weekend.