Leinster Prepare For Visit Of Montpellier

The Leinster squad trained at UCD today ahead of Saturday’s Heineken Cup round 6 visit of Montpellier to the RDS (kick-off 1.30pm).

The province’s medical team are hopeful that a number of players could return to the panel following last Sunday’s 23-16 victory in Glasgow.

Jonathan Sexton rolled his ankle in the first half and will be further monitored this week. The Ireland out-half completed the game with his first half penalty taking him past the 700-point mark during his Leinster career, at this point it appears likely that he will be available for the final pool game.

The Leinster management are also hopeful that Luke Fitzgerald, who missed the match in Glasgow with a combination of a glute/minor neck strain, will also be in the frame.

There is a further boost for the province with the expected return from injury of forwards Kevin McLaughlin (neck), Richardt Strauss (facial) and Steven Sykes (hamstring) who should all be in the selection mix this week.

Moynalvey second row Devin Toner has now featured in 17 games in both competitions for the province so far this season – one ahead of Eoin O’Malley and Heinke van der Merwe.

The next Heineken Cup appearances for Jamie Heaslip and Eoin Reddan, with the scrum half also having played for London Wasps and Munster, will be their 50th respectively.

Saturday’s visit of the French side is an 18,500 sell-out and tickets will not be on sale on the day. Supporters are advised to arrive early as there are a number of other events around the RDS on the day, with gates opening at 12pm.

Meanwhile, it is a busy weekend for the province with Leinster ‘A’ set to face Pontypridd at Donnybrook on Sunday in the quarter-finals of the British & Irish Cup (kick-off 2pm).

There will be free entry for Leinster Season Ticket holders and children, with the team expected to be announced on Friday afternoon.