Ciáran Frawley facing spell on sidelines with facial injury

James Lowe back in training as Baird, Healy and Larmour are released from Ireland camp

Ciáran Frawley faces another lengthy absence. Photograph: Ben Brady/Inpho

Ciáran Frawley has been ruled out of action with a facial injury for a period of four-six weeks, Leinster announced on Monday.

The outhalf/centre sustained a blow to the head during Friday’s win over Edinburgh at the RDS and was forced to depart from the match.

Edinburgh backrow Connor Boyle was sent to the bin for his role in the collision.

While another period on the sidelines will be a desperate blow to Frawley given his injury luck in recent years, he should return in time for Leinster’s Champions Cup last-16 clash against Connacht, though he may not see any game time before then depending on the extent of the injury.

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Elsewhere it has emerged that James Lowe will be returning to training this week, a welcome boost for Leo Cullen and potentially Andy Farrell given Ireland's next game doesn't come until February 27th.

Ryan Baird, Jordan Larmour and Cian Healy have all been released from Ireland camp ahead of Leinster’s upcoming clash against Ospreys at the RDS on Saturday, while Josh Murphy and Dave Kearney have both come through the knocks they suffered against Edinburgh without any further issue.

Rhys Ruddock was a late scratch from that game with a quad injury and both he and Jimmy O’Brien (calf) will be further assessed this week.

There were no further updates on long-term absentees Will Connors (knee), Dan Leavy (wrist), Conor O’Brien (hamstring), Michael Milne (calf).