Strauss returns to give Leinster further boost

Sean O’Brien’s signature may have dominated the news agenda yesterday but a memorable morning for Leinster was capped just hours later when news of Richardt Strauss’s return to action was confirmed.

It is less than three months since the Ireland international underwent surgery for a heart problem yet he starts tonight’s Heineken Cup clash against Ospreys at the RDS from the bench, three months ahead of the expected schedule.

O’Brien — whose shoulder injury will keep him sidelined for a number of months — aside, Leinster are in fine fettle with Cian Healy starting after his own return from the casualty ward in Castres last week as a second-half replacement.