Andrew Porter boost as Leinster update James Ryan and RG Snyman situation

Ireland loosehead Andrew Porter is “available for selection” again for Leinster after recovering from a calf injury, handing Leo Cullen a timely boost ahead of Friday’s URC meeting with Scarlets at the Aviva Stadium.

Porter missed the entire Guinness Six Nations due to the issue. He was one of a number of injuries at loosehead that put Ireland’s strength in depth in the positon to the Test, so his return to fitness is a serious boost for the URC heavyweights.

Cullen delivered the latest squad update on Monday as his side look to rebound from their heavy 38-17 defeat away to Glasgow, a game that left them with scoreboard damage and fresh concern over RG Snyman.

Snyman, who limped off in the 52nd minute after a heavy collision with Alex Samuel, is due to be further assessed and a final decision will be made later in the week.

The Springbok lock had enjoyed a relatively smooth run of fitness since joining Leinster following an injury-disrupted spell at Munster, but he was visibly uncomfortable as he left the field at Scotstoun.

James Ryan remains in a similar situation. The Ireland lock has been sidelined since hurting his calf during the Six Nations and “is due to be further assessed on a calf injury and a final decision will be made later in the week.”

There is better news with Ryan Baird who “is due to return to full training this week,” offering Cullen an important option in the back five.

No players were added to the unavailable list. There are no further updates on Jack Boyle, Hugh Cooney, Jordan Larmour, James Lowe, Diarmuid Mangan or Paddy McCarthy.

Saturday’s defeat at Scotstoun was a statement win for Glasgow, who powered into a 26-5 lead by half-time with tries from Macenzzie Duncan, Gregor Hiddleston, George Horne and Kyle Rowe.

Glasgow ran in six tries to capitalise on Leinster’s disciplinary issues, including yellow cards for Brian Deeny and Ronan Kelleher that left the visitors defending for long spells with 14 and then 13 players.

Leinster had struck first through Joshua Kenny after a Rieko Ioane interception sparked a length-of-the-field break, but the early promise was undone by their own discipline, and Glasgow made full use of their numerical advantage.

Hugo Keenan pulled one back before the interval, and Ciaran Frawley added a late consolation, but the match was long gone by the time Horne crossed for his second.