Rugby

Leinster trio available for Champions Cup final as Ringrose continues to be assessed

James Ryan, Hugo Keenan and Will Connors came through Ulster match without issue

Leinster's Garry Ringrose. Photograph: Ben Brady/Inpho

Gerry Thornley
Mon May 20 2024 - 16:51

Leinster have confirmed that James Ryan, Hugo Keenan and Will Connors came through their 23-21 defeat away to Ulster on Saturday night with no issues after their return from injuries and are in the province’s selection mix for next Saturday’s Champions Cup final against Toulouse in north London.

Leo Cullen’s weekly Monday bulletin also stated that Garry Ringrose “will continue to be assessed this week for a shoulder injury before a final decision is made on his involvement against Toulouse.”

But given their influential co-captain has only played once off the bench in Ireland’s Six Nations finale against Scotland, off the wing, since initially suffering a shoulder injury in Leinster’s pool win away to Leicester in January, the odds on Ringrose being involved now seem remote. Although due to make his return in the semi-final against Northampton at Croke Park three weeks ago, the indications are that Ringrose either aggravated that problem or sustained a fresh injury.

As feared, Tommy O’Brien picked up a hamstring injury against Ulster and although he “will be further assessed this week before a final decision is made on selection this week” he’s unlikely to be involved.

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The same is probably true of Charlie Ngatai, who sustained a shoulder injury against Ulster, even if Leinster said he will also be further assessed this week before a final decision is made on selection this week.

Liam Turner (arm), Lee Barron (shoulder) and Alex Soroka (foot) remain sidelined.

Gerry Thornley

Gerry Thornley

Gerry Thornley is Rugby Correspondent of The Irish Times

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