From Leinster Rugby...
The Leinster Rugby squad trained again this afternoon in UCD as preparations for this Saturday's Champions Cup game against Castres continue. Kick off for the game in the RDS is at 5.30pm and tickets are still on sale at www.leinsterrugby.ie - just over 16,500 tickets have been sold for Leinster's last European match of the regular season.
Captain Jamie Heaslip trained yesterday and again today and is being monitored closely as he recovers from the knock he took against Ulster in the PRO12. A final decision on his participation will not be taken until later in the week but he has trained with the squad as normal.
Both Cian Healy and Sean O'Brien have met with their surgeons this week and continue to make excellent progress.
Zane Kirchner suffered what we initially thought was bone bruising to his shin in the game against Ulster. However having reported further discomfort yesterday morning, a further scan revealed a small fracture which will rule him out of action for four weeks.
Tom Denton, who withdrew from the Cardiff Blues game on Saturday with a stiff neck has trained this week fully and is available for selection this weekend. Likewise Shane Jennings has trained with the squad and should be available for selection having recovered from the tightness he felt in his hamstring before the Ulster game.
Kevin McLaughlin is now out of his sling and is continuing his recovery from shoulder surgery while the cast was also taken off Rhys Ruddock's forearm this week and he is targeting the Guinness PRO12 game against the Dragons in mid-February as his return to play date.
Leinster Rugby can also confirm that a final decision on whether or not to appeal Jack McGrath's three week suspension will be taken at a meeting this evening. The outcome of this decision will be communicated to media tomorrow ahead of the 5pm appeal deadline.
