In Pics: Leinster Training At Belfield
The Leinster squad trained at UCD’s Belfield ground on Bank Holiday Monday in preparation for their Magners League meeting with Connacht at the RDS on Friday night. See below for a photo gallery link.
Argentina’s Felipe Contepomi, who helped guide the Pumas to third place at the recent World Cup, will have to wait another week for his return to the Leinster side.
Coach Michael Cheika, who has kept Contepomi in reserve for this week’s league game against Connacht, said: “The plan was for Felipe to play a game with us coming back from the World Cup and to give him this weekend off because he’s going back to his brother’s wedding in Argentina. He then had a virus which ruled him out of the Ulster game.
“He has only just come back after six or seven games at that (World Cup) level, so we’re sticking with the decision to give him some time off.
“He’s a professional, right up there with the best of them, and he’ll train with us this week and get to know our patterns.
“We’ve got a bit more flexibility this year with (Jonny) Sexton and (Christian) Warner. Jonny has picked up a lot of experience against running teams and teams who play it tight, so it’s all going to be good for him. He’s going to be a good player.”
To view photos of Leinster’s training session at Belfield and press conference to preview Friday’s Interprovincial clash with Connacht, please click here.