Rugby

James Ryan returns to Leinster training ahead of Ulster and Toulouse clashes

Hugo Keenan and Will Connors also return to fitness but Garry Ringrose remains a concern with a shoulder injury

James Ryan has returned to full fitness after a long-term arm injury. Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho
James Ryan has returned to full fitness after a long-term arm injury. Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho
Nathan Johns
Mon May 13 2024 - 14:39

James Ryan has recovered from a ruptured bicep and will return to Leinster training this week, the province has announced. The news comes just under a fortnight out from Leinster’s Champions Cup final clash with Toulouse in London.

Ryan, who has not featured since a freak training incident ruled him out of Ireland’s final two Six Nations outings, is joined by the returning Hugo Keenan (hip) and Will Connors after all three players missed Saturday’s convincing win over the Ospreys. Keenan has been out since the Champions Cup round of 16 victory over Leinster on April 6th while Connors was withdrawn from the weekend’s game as a precaution.

All three players are available for selection ahead of Saturday’s interpro trip to face Ulster in Belfast.

Garry Ringrose, though, remains an injury doubt as he continues to battle a shoulder issue. The centre has not featured since the final round of the Six Nations when Ireland beat Scotland.

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Elsewhere, hooker Lee Barron has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after undergoing shoulder surgery for an injury sustained while Leinster were in South Africa, while Liam Turner has also been sidelined by an arm issue.

Nathan Johns

Nathan Johns

Nathan Johns is an Irish Times journalist

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