Leinster Look Forward To League Opener
The Leinster squad trained in UCD this morning ahead of their opening RaboDirect PRO12 match away to the Scarlets in Llanelli on Friday night (kick-off 7.05pm).
There were no significant injury concerns for the province following the pre-season friendly against Northampton Saints and the Leinster management are hopeful that some more internationals will come into the frame for the trip to the Scarlets.
Assistant coach Richie Murphy said: “Everyone came through the Northampton game unscathed. Kevin McLaughlin, Devin Toner, Gordon D’Arcy, Luke Fitzgerald and Fergus McFadden are all back available and could come in this weekend.”
But Murphy confirmed that Ireland prop Michael Bent is currently nursing a neck injury, adding: “Michael took a knock in training. The only information we have is that he has a nerve problem and don’t know how long he’ll be out for.”
Another of the province’s internationals, Eoin Reddan, made his first start since March when coming on as a replacement against Northampton and his next appearance will be his 80th in Leinster colours.
Meanwhile, Sean Cronin and David Kearney both came through their first run-outs of the campaign last weekend.
It is likely that a number of younger players will again have the chance to impress in the league opener in Llanelli, with the team set to be announced on Thursday afternoon.
Tickets sales for Leinster’s opening home game of the PRO12 season against the Ospreys on Saturday week (September 14) are on sale now and have passed the 13,000 mark. Click here for further details.