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Leinster give update on injured Irish trio, including surgery for Ryan
By Josh Raisey
Leinster have revealed that Ireland lock James Ryan has “had a procedure” on the arm injury that ruled him out of the final two rounds of the Guinness Six Nations, and will be assessed over the coming weeks.
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The 27-year-old picked up the injury in training in the build-up to the clash with England in round four, having featured in the three matches prior to that. Ireland head coach described the injury as a “freak accident” leading into the match.
“Just a freak accident really of just a reaction reaching out for a tackle that was non-contact and he has injured his bicep so he most likely, well he won’t be available for the remainder of this Six Nations,” he said.
Alongside Ryan, Ireland fullback Hugo Keenan is also out of Leinster’s United Rugby Championship fixture with Zebre on Saturday after picking up a hip injury before Ireland’s 17-13 win over Scotland on Saturday.
Keenan was a late withdrawal from the contest at the Aviva Stadium, with Jordan Larmour replacing him. In their latest injury report, the URC leaders said the fullback will be assessed, but is unavailable for selection.
The 39-cap international’s withdrawal capped a Six Nations that was curtailed by injury for him. After starting in the opening two rounds, Keenan missed the win over Wales with a knee injury before returning against England.
Ciarán Frawley, meanwhile, is in contention for the trip to Italy at the weekend, and will undergo further assessment after missing Ireland’s final match of the Championship due to a head injury sustained against England.
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The versatile back is continuing to follow the Graduated Return to Play Protocols, and will be assessed later this week.
Leinster hold a four-point lead at the top of the URC table, and will not want to concede any ground this weekend before facing the second-place Bulls the round after.
