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Rugby

01st Mar 2019

Cheetahs prop very lucky to avoid red card for late hit on Fergus McFadden

Jack O'Toole

Cheetahs prop Ox Nche was lucky to avoid a red card for a late and high challenge on Leinster winger Fergus McFadden during their PRO14 clash at the RDS on Friday night.

McFadden recently returned for Leinster during their nine-try demolition of the Southern Kings and he was retained in the starting side for the visit of the Cheetahs.

Referee Nigel Owens said that initial contact was made with the shoulder and rose to connect with the elbow which was why Nche was only issued a yellow card.

On the injury front for Leinster, Joe Tomane (hamstring), Luke McGrath (knee) and Dan Leavy (calf) all progressed with their injury rehabilitation this week but remain unavailable for selection.

Meanwhile Will Connors (ACL) and Nick McCarthy (foot) both returned to on-field running last week and were monitored throughout the week while Devin Toner was unavailable for selection after sustaining an ankle injury on international duty with Ireland.