Blow for Leinster as Wright ruled out for six months

Leinster prop Stan Wright will be out of action for at least six months, the Leinster senior management have confirmed.

The Cook Islander suffered an Achilles tendon injury in last week’s friendly game against London Wasps in Dublin.

The injury is bad news for new coach Joe Schmidt who is also without the services of Springbok tight-head CJ Van Der Linde for the forthcoming season.

The giant prop has returned to South Africa to link up with the Cheetahs franchise and push for a World Cup place in 2011.

Wrights injury, however, opens the door for ex-Harlequins prop Mike Ross who joined Leinster at the beginning of last season.