Leinster decide against Contepomi ankle operation

LEINSTER have resisted the urge to send Felipe Contepomi for an ankle operation as he recovers from a medial knee injury that is expected to sideline him for up to six weeks.

“This is just about getting him rehab. We’re believers in giving everything the opportunity to pan itself out,” said Cheika. “I don’t see any reason why, if that guy heals quickly with his knee, why we should have him out for his ankle. We just have to make sure we leave everything up to the ability of the player to recover in time for whatever match it may be.”

Cheika confirmed that the former Bristol player would be back for the Heineken Cup games against Edinburgh and Gloucester in the New Year and hasn’t ruled him out of contention for the Magners League clashes with Munster and Ulster.