Heaslip to be rested by Leinster after packed programme

The rugby season may trundle on through Christmas but some of Ireland’s fittest and finest have already bid adieu to competitive action for 2013 with Jamie Heaslip among those effectively stood down by Joe Schmidt.

More will be known for sure about who is and isn’t available to the four provincial coaches as teams are named approaching the weekend’s action but strength in depth will clearly be a buzz phrase around the country for the rest of the month.

The Leinster and Ireland number eight is, for one, on a “booster week” and will play no part in his province’s PRO12 trip to Edinburgh on Friday. Christmas Day will be spent in London which suggests zero input on the 28th when Ulster visit the RDS.