Dempsey: We’re Really Excited To Have Johnny Back On Board
Speaking to the media ahead of Leinster’s GUINNESS PRO12 match against the Ospreys at the RDS on Friday, backs coach Girvan Dempsey provided an update on injuries.
Girvan Dempsey confirmed that Rob Kearney is out of action for a couple of weeks with a knee injury, but there was positive news on returning out-half Jonathan Sexton.
“We’re hopeful that Rob will be back before Europe,” Dempsey said at Leinster HQ. “He’s strained his knee so he’s in a rehab programme at the moment. It’s gut-wrenching for him. He’d come back and he was like a new kid: re-energised, revitalised, back on the field, actually taking a lot of ownership in certain areas of our game, and moving really well.
“It’s just so disappointing for him to get that knock. He’s responded well to his initial rehab and we’re hopeful that he’ll be back sooner rather than later.”
Dempsey also confirmed Sexton’s return to training, saying that the Ireland number 10’s availability for this Friday’s game would be determined later in the week.
“He’s gone well. He went through a good block of work last week in training and a couple of things to do in training today (Monday), but it all looks good. We’re delighted to have him back on board.
“Johnny has been excellent the whole way through pre-season. It’s been massively beneficial to have him around the province from the start of the season. Really excited to have him back on board.”
Meanwhile, back rower Rhys Ruddock has returned to training and will also be assessed later in the week ahead of the round 4 date with the Ospreys on Friday night.
Fergus McFadden, who picked up a minor quad issue during the Captain’s Run ahead of the defeat to Glasgow Warriors on September 10, was not risked for the bonus point win in Edinburgh. McFadden has returned to training and will be assessed later in the week.
Isa Nacewa made a try-scoring return on his 150th Leinster appearance at BT Murrayfield last Friday. The captain came through the game with no issues, while young out-half Ross Byrne has sustained a mid-foot injury and is being assessed by the Leinster medical team this week.
The currently-sidelined Ed Byrne, Jack Conan, Billy Dardis, Ian Fitzpatrick, Robbie Henshaw, Ian Nagle, Sean O’Brien and Richardt Strauss all remain unavailable for selection.
Over 30,000 tickets have now been sold for Leinster v Munster at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, October 8. Will you be there? Tickets are on sale from €;25.