Sexton could be in strong RDS line-up: Contepomi

LEINSTER will be able to call on their fit Ireland contingent for Friday night’s crunch derby against Ulster as they look to bounce back from their shock defeat to Connacht.

And, as he continues to deal with a lengthy injury list as well as the absence a couple of positive Covid cases from last week and their close contacts, Leo Cullen has been boosted by the return to fitness of Jordan Larmour, who could come straight into the team after recovering from his shoulder problem.

Assistant coach Felipe Contepomi indicated the Ireland fullback, who has been out since October, is expected to be available, while the province hope that Johnny Sexton will overcome his head injury and be able to play.

Ross Byrne is also expected to return to training later this week, while Harry Byrne could also be available. Leinster, like the other provinces, will undergo their normal round of PCR testing today in the hope that they are not hit further by the coronavirus.

Yesterday, they welcomed rested Ireland stars James Ryan, Andrew Porter, Robbie Henshaw, Caelan Doris, Cian Healy and

Jamison Gibson-park back and should be able to call on them as they set about trying to reduce Ulster’s 10-point lead at the top of Conference A of the Guinness PRO14.

“We are planning to pick the strongest team we have. We’re playing against the in-form team in PRO14 so it’s a big, big test for us,” Contepomi said. “For the moment, Johnny’s going okay and we hope to have him available, but we are not going to take any risk if anything from those tests doesn’t go the right way.

“It’s the way it is — we need to make sure we look after, especially with HIA, the health of our players.

“We are expecting Jordan to hopefully be available for selection.”

Worcester have, meanwhile, announced the signing of Scotland and Edinburgh wing Duhan van der Merwe.

South Africa-born Van der Merwe scored a try on his Test debut against Georgia in October after qualifying for Scotland on residency.

Worcester rugby director and former Ulster coach Alan Solomons said: “It is absolutely brilliant news for the club that Duhan has decided to join us.”