Easterby frowns on Lions warm-up

Leinster manager Guy Easterby says the province would not look kindly on any attempts by the Lions to hold a mini-training camp next May prior to the tourists’ departure for Hong Kong and Australia.

Lions coach Warren Gatland floated the possibility of such a get-together at his unveiling in London last month but it’s timing – two weeks prior to the Heineken Cup finals and three before the PRO12 and Premiership finals – is hardly ideal.

Leinster had five players on the 2009 tour to South Africa and that number is almost certain to be greater next summer, particularly if the province is once again challenging on two fronts at the sharp end of the season.