Major boost for Leinster as James Ryan and Hugo Keenan set to return for URC clash with Ulster
James Ryan during a Leinster Rugby squad training at UCD in Dublin. Photo: Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
Leinster are set for a major boost ahead of next week’s Champions Cup final against Toulouse, as key Ireland duo James Ryan and Hugo Keenan are available to face Ulster in Belfast on Saturday evening.
Second-row Ryan has been sidelined since March following surgery on a torn bicep, while Keenan has been battling a recurring hip issue in recent months.
A decision on their fitness will be made later in the week, but Leinster boss Leo Cullen will be keen for Ryan and Keenan to get game-time under their belts with a view to being involved against Toulouse in London on Saturday week.
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Leinster are further boosted by the expected return to training of back-row Will Connors, who was a late withdrawal from the team that beat the Ospreys at the RDS last weekend.
Winger Tommy O’Brien came through the game with no issues after his return from a hamstring injury.
The noises around Garry Ringrose’s fitness are less optimistic, however, as Leinster's co-captain has still not fully recovered from the shoulder problem he suffered back in January.
The Ireland centre is a major doubt for this weekend’s Ulster clash, as he looks increasingly unlikely to be fit in time for the Champions Cup decider.
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Ringrose’s fellow centre Liam Turner picked up an arm injury last week at training and will not be available for selection this week, while hooker Lee Barron has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after undergoing shoulder surgery.
Alex Soroka (foot) remains on the long-term absentee list.
