Former Ireland wing Kearney set for months on sideline

Former Ireland wing Dave Kearney is set for months on the sideline after undoing surgery on a hamstring injury.

It’s the latest setback for the 32-year-old who won 19 caps between 2013 and 2019.

“Unfortunately, Dave Kearney had a procedure last week for a hamstring injury and will be unavailable for a number of months,” Leinster said in a statement.

Kearney has been hit by a number of consecutive injuries in recent years, which have seen him fall from an Ireland regular during the latter part of the Joe Schmidt era to a player whose struggle for fitness has seen him drop down the pecking order in Leinster.

Chris Ashton | Rugby Roots

Chris Ashton | Rugby Roots

The was good news elsewhere on the Leinster injury front.

“There is positive news for both Ciarán Frawley and Conor O’Brien as the former came through the game against Connacht Rugby with no issues after his return from a facial injury. O’Brien has returned to full training after recovering from a hamstring injury.

“Ross Byrne was withdrawn for a Head Injury Assessment (HIA) in the first half against Connacht Rugby, which he passed, but he was removed with a dental injury. He will be further assessed as the week goes on before a final decision is made on his availability.”

There was no updates on a number of Leinster’s Ireland stars who were injured during the Guinness Six Nations, which included: prop Andrew Porter (ankle), lock James Ryan (concussion), back row Ryan Baird (back) and hooker Rónan Kelleher (shoulder).

Nor was there an update on Michael Milne, Jordan Larmour or Will Connors, who are also currently sans combat.