Leinster Get Clean Bill Of Health

The Leinster squad have stepped up their preparations for next Saturday's Heineken Cup round 5 encounter with the Scarlets at the RDS (kick-off 6pm).

Fresh from last Friday's bonus point RaboDirect PRO12 victory over Edinburgh, the Leinster management have reported no fresh major injury concerns aside from the usual bumps and bruises.

Meanwhile, returning trio Luke Fitzgerald, Rob Kearney and Brian O'Driscoll all successfully came through the game and suffered no ill-effects after their respective long-term injuries.

The province's coaches are hopeful that Isa Nacewa and Richardt Strauss will both return to the panel for the visit of the Llanelli-based side.

Dave Kearney and Eoin O'Malley should also come into the frame to join Ireland international Fergus McFadden, who was rested for the league win in the Scottish capital.

With the Leinster 'A' team also in action in the British & Irish Cup against Pontypridd at Donnybrook on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 2pm) it is another busy week for the province.

The extended Leinster panel moved from their training base in UCD on Monday for a short two-day camp in Johnstown House.

Ticket sales for Saturday's much-anticipated cup match against the Scarlets are fast approaching the 17,500 mark.

Supporters are advised to purchase their tickets early online here, or from the Leinster Rugby Store (Donnybrook) and Ticketmaster outlets nationwide to avoid disappointment as the game is on course to be a sell-out.

Prop Mike Ross reflected on Leinster's Amlin Challenge Cup final success at the RDS, saying: "There's less hype about it but it's a good competition to win. Many teams have won this and kicked on the next year. Hopefully with the few lads, like Jack McGrath who made his first appearance in a major final, the experience will stand them in good stead for next year."

Speaking in the aftermath of Leinster's Amlin Challenge Cup final win over Stade Francais, flanker Shane Jennings said: "There was obviously disappointment losing the three league finals. It's a huge focus for us (next week's PRO12 final). We know Ulster are a very good side, they are favourites and they're fresh and we're in for a huge game."

Speaking about Connacht's 'Grassroots to Green Shirts' initiative, the province's CEO Tom Sears said: "We like to think we're innovative in our approach, that we're looking at things slightly differently. We've shown that the production line is working with the young players coming through. The system is working, we just need a bit more investment to make sure we can get more players through."

Connacht's head of commercial and marketing Alex Saul talks about some exciting developments off the pitch for the province, including their 'Grassroots to Green Shirts' crowd-funding initiative which gives fans the chance to play their part in growing and developing the future stars of Connacht and Irish rugby.

Speaking to Rob Murphy after Connacht's 17-0 defeat at Biarritz, head coach Eric Elwood said: "We ideally wanted to come here and build on last week's performance and play rugby. But when you have conditions like that, they become a great leveller and we had to go toe-to-toe with a heavyweight in their big pack. The effort and courage of the guys was magnificent though."

Speaking after Connacht's memorable 22-14 defeat of Biarritz Olympique, head coach Eric Elwood said: "We've shown a lot of faith in the young guys - if you play well, you'll stay in the team. Mick Kearney, Jason Harris-Wright, Dave McSharry and Robbie Henshaw...they were magnificent. They looked comfortable in that environment. That's what we're about, bringing those young, indigenous players through."