mens
United-rugby-championship
Leinster received an early season boost ahead of their URC opener South Africa against the Lions, with two seniors Ireland internationals return to full training.
A Leinster statement confirmed on Monday that loosehead prop Andrew Porter and outside back Tommy O’Brien had both returned to full training ahead of Saturday’s clash with Lions at Ellis Park.
Porter’s return comes after a calf problem ruled out the 150-cap Ireland international, while O’Brien overcame a groin complaint in time to return to selection contention.
Leo Cullen’s defending champions URC face away games against the Lions and Sharks in South Africa.
In a side dose of good news, new signing Joey Carbery has taken another significant step in his recovery from a serious knee injury.
Ex Munster and the Ireland playmaker, who returned to Leinster during the off-season from Bordeaux, will increase his involvement in training this week as he continues to recover from an ACL injury that delayed the start of his second spell with the province.
Although Saturday’s start is expected to come too soon, the latest update suggests the 30-year-old is closing in on a competitive return after being included in the 41-man squad that traveled to South Africa.
Carbery will be eager to make a case for the coveted Leinster 10 jersey.
With Sam Prendergast expected to shoulder much of the responsibility in the No.10 shirt and Harry Byrne as the other recognized senior option, Carbery’s eventual availability would provide Cullen with an experienced playmaker capable of challenging for game time.
Otherwise, Leinster’s injury list remains relatively light ahead of the new season.
Jamison Gibson-Park is unavailable with a minor groin injury, while Cormac Foley (calf), Jordan Larmour (calf), Diarmuid Mangan (foot) and James Culhane (hamstring) also remain out.
There was no new information on long-term injuries to Jack Boyle, RG Snyman, Caelan Doris or Paddy McCarthy.
Cullen has named a 41-man traveling squad for the opening rounds of the URC, which includes nine academy players and the returnees of Carbery and Peter Dooley.