Shoulder Surgery To Keep McLaughlin Out For Three Months

The Leinster squad trained again today in Donnybrook ahead of Saturday’s sold-out GUINNESS PRO12 derby clash with Ulster at the RDS (kick-off 2.40pm).

Head coach Matt O’Connor has reported no new injury concerns ahead of the visit of Ulster, although Dominic Ryan is still being assessed under the return-to-play protocols on the back of the injury sustained in the first half against Munster.

O’Connor had positive news on the progress of a number of players, with Martin Moore, Fergus McFadden and Ben Te’o having each taken a full part in training this week.

The returning trio are now available for selection, while Cian Healy and Sean O’Brien continue to make excellent progress and are still on track for a return in the next few weeks.

However, it was not all good news as O’Connor confirmed that following consultation, it was decided that back rower Kevin McLaughlin needed surgery on the shoulder he injured recently against Connacht. He will be out for the next 12 weeks.