Joe McCarthy makes injury return for Leinster ahead of Champions Cup opener

All Black Rieko Ioane will be at Leo Cullen’s disposal having arrived last week

Leinster secondrow Joe McCarthy. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho
Leinster secondrow Joe McCarthy. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho

Ireland lock Joe McCarthy, right wing Tommy O’Brien and All Black centre Rieko Ioane are all available for selection ahead of Leinster’s opening Champions Cup fixture against Harlequins on Saturday (kick-off 5.30pm).

Ioane is contracted to the Blues in New Zealand until 2027 but has taken a “sabbatical”, similar Jordi Barrett last season, to join Leinster on a seven-month contract until the end of the season.

The 28-year-old, who can also play on the wing, has scored 38 tries in 88 appearances for the All Blacks.

McCarthy, who missed the Autumn Nations Series, has recovered from a foot injury, while O’Brien has come through the graduated return to play protocols and is expected to train fully this week.

Ioane is also expected to take fill part in training having arrived in Ireland last Wednesday following New Zealand’s final November Test, a 52-26 win over Wales in Cardiff.

Leinster also confirmed Andrew Porter (arm), James Lowe (calf) and Robbie Henshaw (hamstring) will be assessed further in the coming days after which a decision will be made on their availability.

No further updates were given on Cormac Foley, Hugo Keenan, Will Connors, James Culhane, Jamie Osborne and Ryan Baird, who remain unavailable.

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