Two key Leinster players face race against time for Marseille

Two of Leinster biggest names are being ‘continually assessed’ ahead of the province’s Heineken Champions Cup final this weekend at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille.

Both Tadhg Furlong and James Lowe are facing a race against time to prove their fitness. Tighthead Furlong was removed from play in Leinster’s semi-final victory over Toulouse in Dublin.

He is dealing with an ankle issue. Lowe on the other hand has injured his shin.

A Leinster statement this afternoon reads: “All of Tadhg Furlong (ankle), James Lowe (shin) and Nick McCarthy (shoulder) will increase their training load this week and will be continually assessed ahead of Saturday.”

Joel Kpoku | Le French Rugby Podcast | EP 30

Lyon’s player of the match in the win over Wasps that saw them through to a first major final since 1933, Joel Kpoku, joins us to discuss making a big impression early on in his career in France, what went wrong for him at Saracens, international aspirations and much more. We talk Sarries’ big dogs, lazy comparisons to Maro Itoje, Eddie Jones, the slower pace of life in France, salary caps and, of course, round up all the European semi-final action. Plus, we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week…
Use the code FRENCHPOD20 at checkout for 20% off any full price item at Meater.com

Joel Kpoku | Le French Rugby Podcast | EP 30

Lyon’s player of the match in the win over Wasps that saw them through to a first major final since 1933, Joel Kpoku, joins us to discuss making a big impression early on in his career in France, what went wrong for him at Saracens, international aspirations and much more. We talk Sarries’ big dogs, lazy comparisons to Maro Itoje, Eddie Jones, the slower pace of life in France, salary caps and, of course, round up all the European semi-final action. Plus, we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week…
Use the code FRENCHPOD20 at checkout for 20% off any full price item at Meater.com

Lowe, also nominated for European Player of the Year, is the top try scorer in the current campaign with 10 from six appearances, and he needs one more on Saturday to equal Chris Ashton’s record of 11 in a season for Saracens in 2013/14.

Cullen welcomed Jordan Larmour back from a hip injury against Munster on Saturday and the full-back “came through that game with no issues”. Larmour is one option to fill the void left by Lowe’s potential absence from the final.

There was good news in that Ireland hooker Ronan Kelleher has returned to training this week after suffering a concussion in the same match.

They also picked up a couple of injuries in their alternate squad in same game in the URC this weekend. “Ciarán Frawley was removed for a Head Injury Assessment, which he passed, but he did not return to play due to a facial injury which will be further assessed this week. Cormac Foley, a try-scorer on his first home start against Munster, picked up a shoulder injury and will be further assessed this week.”

Leo Cullen’s side are aiming to win a fifth Heineken Champions Cup star and to join Stade Toulousain as the most successful club in the tournament’s history. The Leinster pair of Ross Molony and Josh van der Flier have the made the most tackles to date this season with 89 apiece.