Leinster fret over injuries
LEINSTER are still sweating on the fitness of a number of players ahead of Sunday’s Champions Cup clash with Saracens. Jordan Larmour will play no part against the reigning European champions as he recovers from a calf problem, while Noel Reid [eye socket] and Dave Kearney [shoulder] will both be forced to sit out the action. The province are already without longterm absentees Robbie Henshaw and Josh van der Flier, but there was better news regarding Sean O’Brien and Rhys Ruddock, with both players in contention to line out against Saracens. O’Brien missed the entire Six Nations campaign with Ireland as he struggled with a hip problem, and was forced off with a shoulder issue just 27 minutes into his comeback game two weeks ago. Senior coach Stuart Lancaster explained that the province are hoping to have a clearer idea on O’Brien’s fitness tomorrow, while Ruddock has impressed with the speed of his recovery from a hamstring problem. ‘Seanie has done really well to get himself back into this position, because at the time we thought it was a bit more serious, a bit more long term than it hopefully will be,’ Lancaster said. ‘[Rhys], he’s passed all the markers — not just passed them, but he’s flown past them. He’s done one of the best fitness tests that we’ve ever had from a forward, he is faster on the GPS than he has been before… he has done brilliantly to get back, and credit to not just him, but the medical staff for turning it around.’ Fergus McFadden was withdrawn for a HIA during Saturday’s defeat to Ospreys, and will be have to come through the returnto-play protocols. Jack Conan will also be assessed as the week progresses after injuring his knee in the trip to Swansea.