Keenan out for Leinster clash with Lions

NEWS: Leinster fullback Hugo Keenan not be available for selection for the United Rugby Championship match against the Lions at Ellis Park on Saturday.

The fullback, who has been “managing a hip injury the last few weeks,” according to Leinster, suffered “a minor flare up” during the captain’s run a day before the Champions Cup quarterfinal against La Rochelle.

Flyhalf Ross Byrne, who had a starring role in the victory over La Rochelle, was withdrawn from the game on Saturday with “a minor leg injury” and will be further assessed this week, according to Leinster.

Leinster head coach Leo Cullen also announced that Luke McGrath came through the game at the weekend with no issues after his return from the Graduated Return to Play Protocols.

Other major concerns for Cullen include the following:

• Jimmy O’Brien will be further assessed this week as he nears a return from a neck injury.
• Charlie Ngatai will be further assessed this week as he nears a return from a calf injury.
• Garry Ringrose will be further assessed this week for a shoulder injury as he nears a return.
• Ross Byrne was withdrawn with a minor leg injury at the weekend and will be further assessed this week.
• There are no further updates on: James Ryan (arm), Tommy O’Brien (hamstring) and Alex Soroka (foot)