Leavy heads for South Africa as Bleyendaal returns

DAN LEAVY’S chances of playing against Argentina next week appear to have receded after he was named in the Leinster squad that departed for South Africa.

The PRO14 champions take on the Southern Kings on Sunday and won’t be back in Ireland until Tuesday afternoon, leaving the openside short on time in Ireland camp.

He has endured an injury-hit season to date and it now looks more likely that Seán O’Brien will face the Pumas.

Leavy was part of a 27-man squad that made the trip to Port Elizabeth yesterday.

Meanwhile, Tyler Bleyendaal will captain Munster on his first appearance of the season against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.

The Reds landed in Johannesburg on Tuesday and trained yesterday.

Ireland squad member Sammy Arnold is following the return-toplay concussion protocols, while Billy Holland didn’t travel for personal reasons.

Bleyendaal has been out since he had surgery on his neck in March.

“It’s brilliant to have him back,” Johann van Graan said.

“He played 30 minutes for the ‘A’ team against Leinster a few weeks ago and we have been monitoring him the whole time, he is itching to go.

“He will start this weekend and he will also be the captain, something he has done before for Munster.

“It’s great to have him back in a leadership role and it’s great to have a quality player back who has been out for a really long time.”