Search icon

Rugby

29th Dec 2017

Johnny Sexton set to return while James Ryan and Jack McGrath set for stint on the sidelines

Jack O'Toole

Johnny Sexton is set to return for Leinster for the first time since the Blues Champions Cup win over Exeter two weeks ago.

Sexton departed in the second minute of the match after a collision with Exeter flanker Matt Kvesic.

The Ireland fly-half had failed his HIA and did not return to the game, however, Leinster backs coach Girvan Dempsey confirmed that Sexton had passed the subsequent Return to Play Protocols without any issue and could have played against Munster if required.

Leinster added that Sexton will train as normal this week ahead of the Leinster squad announcement on Saturday at midday.

Meanwhile further assessment will be needed on both Adam Byrne (knee) and Seán O’Brien (unspecified knocks) before they are deemed available for selection.

The forwad trio of Jack McGrath (head), James Ryan (ankle) and Richardt Strauss (back) all sustained injuries in the game in Limerick, with Ryan understood set to be out for the next month while McGrath has entered the Return to Play Protocols.