Recovering O’Brien in the frame for Leinster

Sean O’Brien has received the green light from Leinster medics to continue his comeback from shoulder surgery ahead of Saturday’s RaboDirect Pro12 semi-final against Ulster at the RDS.

Ireland and Lions back rower O’Brien returned to action last weekend after more than five months on the sidelines, having injured his shoulder against Ulster in December, causing him to miss the entire Six Nations campaign.

O’Brien came through his 52-minute stint in Saturday’s game against Edinburgh unscathed and has trained well so far this week with no adverse reaction, putting him in the frame to feature against Ulster this weekend.

Also available following a knee injury is utility back Fergus McFadden, but head coach Matt O’Connor will have to wait a little longer before making a decision on the fitness of scrum-half, Eoin Reddan.

There was far less encouraging news concerning hooker Richardt Strauss, who faces a number of months out after undergoing hamstring surgery on Sunday.

Lock Mike McCarthy is also a doubt and wing Luke Fitzgerald will not be available for selection.