Leinster should know within a matter of days whether they have been successful in their attempt to secure the signature of former All Black and World Cup winner Brad Thorn on an emergency short-term contract.

Yes says Donal Lenihan

LEINSTER coach Joe Schmidt has had to weather early-season panic before and has advised Ireland’s fretful supporters and critics alike to reserve their judgments until the business gets underway in New Zealand next month.

Luke Fitzgerald will start for Leinster in tomorrow night's pre-season friendly against Northampton Saints , just days after being left out of Ireland's 30-man World Cup squad.