Leinster rookie's season over after answering SOS, doubt over Ireland star

Leinster rookie Hugh Cooney has seen his season come to an abrupt end after answering Leo Cullen’s late-season SOS, with the young back picking up an injury late in the game against the Ospreys.

Cooney was drafted into the matchday squad at the eleventh hour for the final round clash after Tommy O’Brien withdrew late, stepping into the void at short notice. However, the call-up has ultimately come at a heavy price, with Leinster confirming the youngster “sustained an injury at the weekend and will be unavailable for the rest of the season”.

It is a bitter blow for the 22-year-old academy product, who has had a something of a breakout season for Leinster.

He now faces a premature end to his campaign just as Leinster turn their attention to silverware.

The timing is less than ideal for Cullen and his coaching staff, who are already contending with uncertainty in the back three ahead of Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup final against Union Bordeaux Bègles at San Mamés Stadium.

Of particular concern is the fitness of Tommy O’Brien, whose late withdrawal in the lead-up to the Ospreys fixture initially opened the door for Cooney. The Ireland flyer has been one of Leinster’s standout performers this season and last, but remains a lingering doubt for the showpiece in Bilbao.

Leinster confirmed that O’Brien “is due to be further assessed after withdrawing from Saturday’s matchday squad and a decision on his availability will be made later in the week”, leaving Cullen sweating on his availability.

He is not alone in facing a race against time.

Brian Deeny, Joshua Kenny and returning loosehead Paddy McCarthy have also been listed as requiring further assessment, with final calls on their availability to be made later in the week.

The Irish province also confirmed this Monday that there are no further developments regarding Ryan Baird, Jack Boyle, Will Connors, RG Snyman and Charlie Tector.

While Cooney’s absence might not have directly impacted Leinster’s Champions Cup planning, Cullen will no doubt have preferred to have been selecting from as full a deck as possible.