Leinster lose two of their touring squad ahead of trip to Sharks

Leinster head coach Leo Cullen has issued an injury update has confirmed that two of their squad members for the current tour of South Africa have been ruled out of selection for the Sharks game at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Saturday.

Leinster’s title defence got off to a mediocre start on Saturday when they lost 27-26 to the Lions in Ellis Park in Johannesburg.

Scrum-half Fintan Gunne starred with a first-half hat-trick as Leo Cullen’s side took a 19-17 lead into the break. However, the Lions battled back through Erich Cronje’s second try, Chris Smith’s accurate boot and a late Kelly Mpeku score.

Leinster were reduced to 14 men after Dylan McNeice’s yellow card but secured a losing bonus point when Stephen Smyth crossed late on.

However, they will now have to do without the services of back-row Max Deegan and fly-half Harry Byrne.

Both players sustained concussions and will undergo return-to-play protocols.

“Cormac Foley will step up his return to play and integration into training following a calf injury,” the province confirmed in a statement.

“Max Deegan and Harry Byrne will not be available for selection after sustaining concussions. They will both go through the graduated return to play protocol.

“Josh Ericson will be further assessed following a neck injury.

“There are no further updates on Jack Boyle, RG Snyman, Caelan Doris and Paddy McCarthy, Jamison Gibson-Park, Jordan Larmour (calf), Diarmuid Mangan (foot) and James Culhane (hamstring).”

Leinster Rugby travelling squad

Forwards: Ryan Baird, Thomas Clarkson, Jack Conan, Max Deegan, Brian Deeny, Peter Dooley, Josh Ericson, Tadhg Furlong, Rónan Kelleher, Gus McCarthy, Joe McCarthy, Dylan McNeice, Conor O’Tighearnaigh, Scott Penny, Andrew Porter, James Ryan, Dan Sheehan, Niall Smyth, Stephen Smyth, Alan Spicer, Alex Usanov, Josh van der Flier.

Backs: Tadhg Brophy, Harry Byrne, Joey Carbery, Oliver Coffey, Hugh Cooney, Caspar Gabriel, Fintan Gunne, Robbie Henshaw, Hugo Keenan, Todd Lawlor, Ciarán Mangan, Hugo McLaughlin, Jimmy O’Brien, Tommy O’Brien, Andrew Osborne, Jamie Osborne, Sam Prendergast, Garry Ringrose, Charlie Tector.