Leinster bolstered as FIVE Ireland internationals ‘available’ for La Rochelle grudge match
Leinster number eight Jack Conan is available for their clash with La Rochelle.
Leinster have been bolstered by the return of five Ireland internationals ahead of their Investec Champions Cup fixture against La Rochelle at Stade Marcel Deflandre.
An injury update released on Tuesday by head coach Leo Cullen was largely positive as the 2022 and 2023 tournament finalists prepare to face off French soil on Sunday.
The Ireland quintet in question who have been declared available for this week’s clash are Jack Conan, Max Deegan, Ciaran Frawley, Hugo Keenan and Thomas Clarkson.
Conan available
Conan is back after recovering from the injury he sustained against Connacht in December while Deegan has come through the Graduated Return to Play Protocols.
There was also good news on Jamie Osborne, Jordan Larmour and Tommy O’Brien, who came through the win over Munster with no issue and will be available again.
Leinster also confirmed that Ireland tighthead prop Tadhg Furlong is due to step up his rehabilitation before a final decision is made on his availability later this week.
Despite not being available for the Champions Cup game against Ronan O’Gara’s side, Ireland hooker Dan Sheehan has returned to on-field training after his ACL injury.
Elsewhere, James Culhane (hamstring) and Michael Milne (groin) will be unavailable for selection this weekend after they sustained injuries over the Christmas period.
There were no further updates on Rob Russell, Will Connors, Liam Turner and Ireland wing James Lowe, with the Six Nations now just three weeks away from kick off.
Team named on Friday
Cullen is set to announce his matchday squad for the La Rochelle fixture on Friday as the only two unbeaten sides in Pool 2 are set to collide at Stade Marcel Deflandre.
It promises to be a high-octane affair but while Leinster are flying high this season having won every game, La Rochelle have been largely out of sorts so far in the Top 14.
O’Gara’s men, who are sixth in the league, could only edge a second-string Toulouse team 22-19 at home last week and before that suffered a 21-13 loss away to Perpignan.
READ MORE: Mack Hansen to discover fate as disciplinary hearing set after X-rated rant following Leinster loss
