Leinster handed Robbie Henshaw boost as ‘final decision’ set to be made on several stars including RG Snyman
Leinster centre Robbie Henshaw is available to face La Rochlelle.
Ireland centre Robbie Henshaw is set to make his return from injury for Leinster in their Investec Champions Cup clash with La Rochelle at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
Henshaw sustained a finger issue in the recent United Rugby Championship (URC) win against Munster but has been declared available for selection for this week’s game.
Leinster sit in second spot in Pool 3 of the Investec Champions Cup on nine points after securing two wins from two, trailing the pace-setting Stormers on points difference.
Seven straight wins
They will be eager to keep their winning streak going on Saturday after gaining some momentum in Europe and the URC with a run of seven successive wins on the board.
As well as being bolstered by Henshaw’s return, head coach Leo Cullen has also been given some positive news on another Ireland centre and Springboks lock RG Snyman.
“Garry Ringrose and RG Snyman have both returned to training with a final decision on their availability to be made later in the week,” read an injury update on Monday.
The Leinster statement also touched on the fitness of prop Rabah Slimani and fly-half Harry Byrne after both players withdrew from the 23 before Saturday’s 52-17 win over Connacht. The pair will be further assessed this week, with a final decision on their availability being made later in the week, it was confirmed by the in-form Irish province.
Regarding other absent personnel, the club provided no further updates on the Ireland quintet Hugo Keenan, Jamie Osborne, Jordan Larmour, Ryan Baird and Jimmy O’Brien.
La Rochelle rivalry
Leinster have developed a fierce rivalry with La Rochelle over recent seasons after twice facing them in the Champions Cup final, both games being won by the French side.
Adding further spice to the pool fixture is that Munster legend Ronan O’Gara is the long-time head coach of La Rochelle, which always brings something extra to the games.
La Rochelle have not had a fantastic start to the season, but do come into this European showdown on the back of a 66-0 win over a weakened Toulon outfit in the Top 14.
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