Leinster Squad Bolstered By Returning Players
The Leinster squad has been bolstered by the return of a number of Ireland internationals ahead of their Heineken Cup round 3 showdown with Northampton Saints at Franklin’s Gardens on Saturday (kick-off 6pm).
There are no major injury concerns following last Saturday’s bonus point victory over the Scarlets in a game which saw South African international Zane Kirchner score his first try in Leinster colours.
Martin Moore was replaced during the first half – he experienced some discomfort after being winded from the scrum which reaped a penalty try.
But that is not expected to curtail the tighthead prop’s involvement in training this week. Centre Gordon D’Arcy was replaced as a precaution and will also be available ahead of Friday’s team announcement.
Ireland internationals Isaac Boss, Cian Healy, Jamie Heaslip, Dave Kearney, Rob Kearney, Kevin McLaughlin, Sean O’Brien, Brian O’Driscoll and Devin Toner will all rejoin the squad as Leinster build up to the trip to Northampton.
Following his 11-point haul at the RDS on Saturday, out-half Ian Madigan now lies 10 points shy of the 400-point career milestone for the province from 88 games to date.
Jack McGrath is now three appearances short of the 50-cap landmark and after Saturday has now scored three times in his nine matches to date this season.
The Leinster ‘A’ team are in round 3 British & Irish Cup action at Donnybrook this Saturday afternoon when they welcome Cross Keys (KO: 2.30pm).
Girvan Dempsey’s charges have begun the campaign strongly with opening victories at home to Ealing Trailfinders (49-8) and away to Moseley (22-24).
There will be free entry to the game for Leinster Season Ticket holders upon presentation of this year’s membership card.
Meanwhile, ticket sales for the round 4 clash with Northampton at the Aviva Stadium a week later on Saturday, December 14 (kick-off 6pm) continue to progress steadily and have now passed the 37,500 mark. Tickets are on sale now online here.