Doubt over another Leinster prop as 3 Ireland stars return to training

Leinster’s ongoing issues in the front row have deepened ahead of Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup semi-final against RC Toulon, with both senior Ireland props requiring further assessment despite three international backs returning to training.

Head coach Leo Cullen confirmed on Monday that neither tighthead Tadhg Furlong nor loosehead Andrew Porter has been cleared for selection, with decisions on both to be made later in the week.

Their availability remains uncertain as Leinster prepare for the Aviva Stadium tie with the French outfit. Furlong pulled up after just 27 minutes of his side’s 29-26 URC loss to Benetton on Saturday.

Leinster have already been stretched at prop, with looseheads Jack Boyle and Paddy McCarthy still sidelined and no further updates provided on either player. Rookie loosehead Alex Usanov also remains unavailable, leaving Cullen with limited depth in a key area as the knockout stages continue.

Short-term loanee from Cardiff, Ed Byrne started against the Italian in Treviso, his first start for Leinster since leaving the province nearly two years ago. Jerry Cahir was sprung for the bench.

There was a glimpse of good news elsewhere.

James Lowe, Jordan Larmour and Diarmuid Mangan have all returned to training this week, although each still requires further assessment before being considered for selection. All three bring Test-level experience back into consideration, but their situations do little to offset concerns in other departments.

“James Lowe, Diarmuid Mangan and Jordan Larmour all return to training this week with further assessment required,” the statement reads. “Tadhg Furlong is due to be further assessed and a decision on his availability will be made later in the week. Andrew Porter is due to be further assessed and a decision on his availability will be made later in the week.”

There are no players newly confirmed as available for selection this week.

In further setbacks, Ryan Baird has been ruled out for the semi-final, while Charlie Tector is unavailable after sustaining a shoulder injury in Saturday’s URC defeat.

Leinster also provided no new updates on Springbok giant RG Snyman, who remains sidelined. Final selections will be confirmed later in the week once all outstanding assessments have been completed.