Leinster get double boost as Garry Ringrose and Jimmy O’Brien could feature in Croke Park against Northampton
Leinster head coach Leo Cullen speaks with former Leinster player Richardt Strauss before the URC game against the Stormers in Cape Town. Photo: Sportsfile
Leinster have been handed a double boost ahead of Saturday’s Champions Cup semi-final against Northampton at a sold-out Croke Park (5.30), as Garry Ringrose and Jimmy O’Brien are set to be available for selection.
Ringrose hasn’t played for Leinster since January due to a shoulder injury that also limited the centre’s Six Nations involvement.
Jamie Osborne has deputised well in Ringrose’s absence, with head coach Leo Cullen set to have a big selection call to make ahead of this weekend’s showdown.
Today's Sport News in 90 Seconds - 29th April
O’Brien’s season has been significantly hampered by a neck issue that has meant the versatile back has not played since December.
Although he hasn’t yet been passed fit, there are encouraging noises around Hugo Keenan’s fitness, as the Ireland full-back will step up his training programme as he looks to overcome an ongoing hip injury.
Cullen will give Keenan every chance to prove his fitness in time to feature in the clash with Saints at Croke Park.
As expected, this weekend’s last-four encounter has come too soon for Ringrose’s fellow co-captain James Ryan, who remains sidelined following surgery on a torn bicep.
Tommy O’Brien (hamstring) and Alex Soroka (foot) have also been ruled out of the Northampton game, but Leinster have reported no fresh injury concerns following the squad’s return from their disappointing South African tour.
