Leinster welcome back 3 injured Ireland stars as prop given short-term deal

Leinster have been boosted by the return to fitness of three injured Ireland stars ahead of Friday’s BKT United Rugby Championship season opener against the DHL Stormers in Cape Town.

On Monday afternoon positive updates were issued on Robbie Henshaw, Jordan Larmour and Will Connors – with all three on the ground in South Africa.

The Ireland trio, along with Brian Deeny, have all shaken off injuries that ruled them out of the run-in last season and are available for selection for Leo Cullen’s side.

But while Henshaw, Larmour and Connors’ returns bolster Leinster’s options, Cullen confirmed a number of high-profile absentees remain sidelined. As previously reported, Hugo Keenan has undergone groin surgery and is set to miss up to three months.

Caelan Doris (shoulder) and Joe McCarthy (foot) will also be unavailable for the opening rounds of the campaign but are making progress.

There was further positive news for Leinster supporters with the confirmation of a short-term senior contract for prop Jerry Cahir.

A product of Cistercian College, Roscrea, Cahir has built his reputation in the Energia AIL, winning Dublin University FC’s Player of the Year award in 2024 before repeating the feat at Lansdowne in 2025. He featured for Leinster ‘A’ in last year’s IRFU 150 Men’s Interprovincial Championship Final and came off the bench in the recent pre-season friendly against Cardiff Rugby.

Leinster face the Stormers on Friday evening at DHL Stadium (KO: 7pm local time / 6pm Irish time).