Ronan Kelleher has been flown home by Leinster

Ireland hooker Ronan Kelleher has been flown home from South Africa by Leinster – a decision branded as precautionary by the province.

The Leinster second-string side came very close to beating the Sharks in Durban on Saturday, with an 83rd-minute attempt at the South African’s line judged to have been held up.

The 28 – 23 defeat in their first fixture against the Sharks in the URC isn’t all Leo Cullen’s side have had to contend with.

There are also concerns for their other hooker – James Treacy – who picked up a neck niggle during the week.

Kelleher had just returned to action for the men in blue after picking up an injury during the Guinness Six Nations.

A Leinster statement reads: “A 31-player squad is currently on a two-week tour of South Africa during which they play two games, the first of which was a defeat to Cell C Sharks last Saturday evening.

“Ahead of that clash, hooker Rónan Kelleher, named to start initially, was withdrawn as a precaution with a minor shoulder knock. He has returned to Dublin and will be assessed further at the squad’s base in UCD.

“James Tracy picked up a neck injury in training last week and will be further assessed before a final decision is made on his availability for this weekend.

“The same applies to Max Deegan who suffered a shoulder injury during that 28-23 defeat in Durban.”

There was good news on Ryan Baird however.

“There’s also positive news on Ryan Baird. The lock picked up a back injury on Ireland duty during the Six Nations and he will now step up his rehabilitation in UCD this week.”

There is no update on second row Jams Ryan, who is still making comeback after suffering a concussion against England during the Six Nations.

England second-row Charlie Ewels ran into Ryan and was red-carded for the incident just 70 seconds into their fixture in Twickenham in March. Ewels was subsequently banned.