Sean O’Brien and Cian Healy set to miss Ireland’s opening Six Nations games

The optimistic mood around Leinster's UCD headquarters lasted all of 24 hours

Leinster have confirmed, this afternoon, that neither Sean O'Brien nor Cian Healy will feature in this weekend's Champions Cup visit to Wasps. Adding a chill gust to an already rainy parade, the province have now set February 15 as their hopeful return date. A statement from Leinster reads: 'While Sean and Cian trained again this morning, given the nature of the injuries - (respective) shoulder reconstruction and a severe hamstring (tear) - management have decided not to risk either player this weekend.... Instead the next home game against the Newport Gwent Dragons on the February 15 is their focus.' Ireland are scheduled to face Italy in their Six Nations opener, on February 7, with a home tie against France on February 14. The bad news comes less than a day Leinster assistant coach Richie Murphy opened the possibility of a return against Wasps. The Leinster statement continued, 'Rhys Ruddock and Zane Kirchner are both making good progress from arm and lower leg injuries and all going well, are also expected back for the visit of the Dragons.'