A Lion returns as Leinster issue mixed injury update on Test trio

Leinster have delivered a mixed injury bulletin ahead of Friday’s Investec Champions Cup trip to Leicester Tigers, with James Lowe cleared to return but several front-liners still under the microscope after the bruising “S-fight” win over Harlequins.

The British & Irish Lions’ tourist will train fully this week after shaking off a calf issue picked up against the Springboks and is available for selection for the showdown at Mattioli Woods Welford Road.

There is less certainty elsewhere.

Bok giant RG Snyman remains in the further-assessment category after hurting his shoulder in the first quarter on Saturday. Leinster have said he will be examined again in the coming days before any decision is taken.

The Springbok lock was one of Cullen’s two major post-match concerns.

Garry Ringrose is being monitored too after suffering cramp against Harlequins. Like Snyman, he will receive an additional assessment this week with no definitive timeline offered.

Jordan Larmour has been ruled out after picking up a hamstring injury late in the game.

Cullen admitted on Saturday night that Larmour’s issue appeared the most serious of the lot, cautioning at the time: “Jordan is probably the most significant of them all, I think. But again, early days, so don’t quote me on it, he’s done something there I think.”

It’s hard lines for Larmour, who was outstanding against the West Londoners and was duly named Player of the Match after scoring twice before limping off with less than 10 minutes left in the contest. The 32-times-capped Ireland winger has been unable to string together a run of games without injuries and looks set for yet another spell on the sidelines.

In good news, back-row Will Connors will also rejoin training. The 29-year-old has been sidelined for since October but is clearly making progress in his recovery from an arm injury.

A call on his availability will not be made until later in the week.

There are no fresh updates on Cormac Foley, Hugo Keenan, James Culhane, Jamie Osborne, Ryan Baird or Andrew Porter as Leinster prepare for what Cullen has already called one of the toughest away assignments in club rugby.

“What’s on our minds? What do we think? And let’s turn the page and get excited about going again next week, which is one of the hardest places to go in world rugby probably isn’t it? [Welford Road],” said Cullen on Saturday night. “It is one of the hardest places to go, and it’s one of those places you find out about the group and what they’re made of. So, a good challenge.”