Leinster await return of Sean O’Brien and Cian Healy

Same names different season. Seán O'Brien is just over midway in his "very scientific" 20- week rehabilitation programme following the 29-year- old's latest surgery, on the hamstring he ruptured against France last February.

So, presuming Johnny Sexton (shoulder) and Robbie Henshaw's post-surgery recovery stays on track, O'Brien and Cian Healy remain the major concerns for Leinster. Scientific "I think the medical staff see [O'Brien] as someone they need to be very careful with," said Leinster assistant coach John Fogarty.

“With everything that has happened in the past, they are bearing that in mind as they bring him back. Once he hits all his markers – and trust me it is very scientific. Three days a week we get medical reports.”

O’Brien attempted to avoid further surgery this summer only for his body to break down.

“Seán’s is a 20-week recovery from the surgery,” Fogarty explained. “I believe we are about six to eight weeks into it. “That’s what we’re hearing at the moment. But it depends on whether he hits markers, if he doesn’t hit markers it slows things down.

“Believe me it is frustrating for us [too].”

This means O’Brien could return to the field for the opening Champions Cup weekend, October 14th to 16th, but in the meantime he has been contributing in a motivational, even coaching, capacity.

"He is one of the guys who has found his voice and is really leading even though he is not on the pitch." Injury updates Last season Leo Cullen began his first preseason as head coach short 24 bodies. Less than a fortnight from the beginning of the Guinness Pro 12 they released a list of 14 injury updates.

Healy only returned to training this week.

“Cian just needed time,” said Cullen. “Yesterday was a big day for him, he stepped into some nice scrums. Yeah, he looked really good.”

Sexton and Mick Kearney both had shoulder surgery after the Pro 12 final in May. They are due back for the "early rounds of the Pro 12".

Following ankle surgery, Rhys Ruddock will not play until round four in late September while Henshaw and Dave Kearney are also still recovering.