CULLEN ANTICIPATES TRICKY START

LEINSTER coach Leo Cullen does not expect to have any of his five Lions available for the historic South Africa trip next month to take on the Cheetahs and the Southern Kings.

He admits there are challenges to be dealt with when they become the first side in the new Pro14 to travel to South Africa.

Injuries will rule out Jonathan Sexton and Robbie Henshaw and the Leinster coach is planning without Jack Mcgrath, Tadhg Furlong and Sean O’brien for the opening games against Dragons and Cardiff as well as the two matches in South Africa.

He said after a 42-32 pre-season loss to Perpignan: “It’s a little bit on a case by case basis but as things stand the majority of those guys will miss those four games.”

But Cullen is hopeful that Jamie Heaslip and Rob Kearney, both of whom missed the Lions tour and Ireland’s summer games in the USA and Japan, will be available.

Kearney, out since March after surgery on a bicep injury, could feature in next weekend’s warm-up clash with Gloucester while Heaslip is expected to follow shortly afterwards having recovered from a back problem.

Cullen admits the addition of the two Springbok teams is a boost for the tournament but is wary of the logistical difficulties.

But he added: “It’s a really exciting adventure now for us, stepping into the unknown. They will bring a hell of a lot to the league.”