Leinster Newcomer Te’o Is Sidelined For Six Weeks

Leinster have confirmed today that as a result of a fractured forearm suffered in the first half of the GUINNESS PRO12 game against Edinburgh, centre Ben Te’o had an operation yesterday morning.

The operation was a success, however Ben Te’o is expected to be sidelined for up to six weeks depending on his recovery.

It is disappointing news for the rugby league convert whose Leinster debut against Edinburgh lasted just 19 minutes due to the injury to his left arm.

Speaking after Friday night’s 33-8 bonus point win over the Scots, Leinster head coach Matt O’Connor said: “It doesn’t look great. It is part of the game but it is difficult when you are a new player who is trying to assimilate to a new code.

“Thankfully he has a good big game temperament. The positives are that he can take a look at the game and try to study it a bit. He is going to get the greatest learning from playing and that is the most frustrating thing.

“He is still finding his feet and learning players’ names. He is still trying to learn the nuances of the games but he wouldn’t be here if we didn’t see things previously. It doesn’t change anything but it does put it back a few weeks.”

Second row Kane Douglas also had to be taken off in the first half and will be assessed by the Leinster medical team as part of the return-to-play protocols.