D’Arcy Expected To Be Fit For Connacht Game

With a large number of players away at Ireland squad training until Wednesday, a reduced Leinster panel took to the pitch on Monday.

Gordon D’Arcy experienced discomfort after sustaining a blow to the ribs during the first half of Saturday evening’s win over Edinburgh, but the Ireland centre should be fit to play on Friday night in Galway.

Leinster team manager Guy Easterby said: “(The injury concerns) will all be available for selection. Darce, they had a look at him yesterday and he’s just go bruised rib cartilage. We’re confident he will be available for selection.

“We’re also confident about Rob Kearney. Friday should be his first run-out of the season, he’s keen to get some game-time.”

Eoin Reddan (minor quad strain) was a late withdrawal from Saturday’s line-up and he too will be monitored by the medical team this week.

Shane Jennings (illness) and Jonathan Sexton (forearm) were both replaced as precautions during the Edinburgh game, but the St. Mary’s College clubmen are expected to be available to play Connacht.

Meanwhile, Jamie Heaslip’s next game will mark the Naas man’s 150th senior appearance for the province.

Commenting on the Connacht game, Easterby added: “Going down there to the Sportsground is as tough as anywhere. We had a very narrow win down there last year, with Connacht missing a drop goal that just dropped below the bar.

“It’s a particularly difficult place to go and it is going to be very tough for us on Friday night. Connacht have made it into a good rugby crowd, the atmosphere is good. These interpros are really important to us in terms of the context of our season.”

Ticket sales for Leinster’s next home match against Munster at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, October 6 (kick-off 6.30pm) have passed the 32,000 mark and are on sale online here.

They are also available to buy from Spar (Donnybrook) and the Leinster Rugby Store (Donnybrook) as well as Ticketmaster outlets nationwide.