Leinster Prepare For Llanelli Trip

The Leinster squad trained in UCD on Monday as they build up for their RaboDirect PRO12 trip to face the Scarlets on Saturday night.

The Leinster management, already without 14 players on World Cup duty as well as longer-term absentees such as Mat Berquist, Andrew Conway, Shane Horgan, Tom Sexton and Eamonn Sheridan, counted the cost of last weekend’s defeat to the Glasgow Warriors.

Kevin McLaughlin and Dominic Ryan sustained ankle injuries during the game and it is anticipated that neither of them will be available for selection this week.

Berquist and Sheridan are expected to be unavailable until the New Year and Conway (ankle) should return over the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, hooker Sexton could be back in the next month after undergoing knee surgery over the summer months.

Luke Fitzgerald was withdrawn on a precautionary basis, midway through the second half, due to cramp. Although he sat out training on Monday he will hopefully be available for selection.

Steven Sykes stepped up his rehabilitation and though he may again miss out on selection, he could be available for Leinster’s next home match a week later against Aironi Rugby.

There were debuts for Ireland Under-20 captain Jordi Murphy and prop Nathan White against Glasgow last Saturday night, while Isa Nacewa had a 100% kicking return with a 14-point haul.