Fitzgerald set for return to action after lengthy lay-off

LUKE FITZGERALD makes his comeback from long-term injury when Leinster face London Wasps at Donnybrook on Friday (7pm).

The versatile Irish back has spent nine frustrating months kicking his heels on the sidelines after suffering knee ligament damage during last November’s test against Australia at Croke Park.

“Luke was probably ready to play about six months ago,” said Shane Jennings, who like the rest of the Irish internationals who toured New Zealand and Australia during the summer, is still some weeks away from a return to first-team action. “He’s looking very sharp in training, probably bigger and stronger than he’s ever been. His feet and his speed are good as they’ve ever been.

“He’s impressed everybody in training. He’s more keen than anybody to get back playing after that injury. We’re all looking forward to getting back playing, so there’s as much competition for back-line places as well.”

Fitzgerald will be joined by Sean O’Brien who makes his first appearance in six months, the back rower leading the side from number eight in a team which also includes Devin Toner.

Fitzgerald starts at full-back in a backline which also includes Isa Nacewa, while Leinster supporters can get a glimpse of summer signing Heinke van der Merwe who starts in the front row alongside Mike Ross who is one of three Ireland internationals in the pack.

The recently recruited Mariano Galarza is named on an extended bench which also includes Fergus McFadden, scrum-half Isaac Boss and Stan Wright.

LEINSTER: L. Fitzgerald, D. Kearney, E. O’Malley, E. Sheridan, I. Nacewa, I. Madigan, P. O’Donohue, H. van der Merwe, R. Strauss, M. Ross, T. Hogan, D. Toner, E. Sheriff, S. O’Brien (captain), P. Ryan.

Replacements: J. Harris-Wright, J. McGrath, S. Wright, M. Galarza, D. Ryan, I. Boss, I. McKinley, F. McFadden, B. Marshall, M. Keating, N. Morris.