Strauss doubtful for Edinburgh clash

Leinster's Richard Strauss is rated as doubtful for Saturday night's RaboDirect PRO12 clash against Edinburgh in the RDS (6.15pm).

The hooker suffered a head injury midway through the second half of last weekend’s 19-18 victory over Benetton Treviso.

The good news for Joe Schmidt is that his squad looks set to be boosted by the return of several Ireland internationals for the visit of Michael Bradley’s charges.

Saturday’s victory saw the successful return of Ireland internationals Kev McLaughlin, Mike Ross, Cian Healy, Jamie Heaslip, Brian O’Driscoll, Eoin Reddan and out-half Jonathan Sexton, who scored a match-winning last-minute drop goal in Italy.

With Monday’s field training session cancelled as a mark of respect for the late Nevin Spence, the panel will train on Tuesday morning and could be bolstered by the return of Gordon D’Arcy and European Player of the Year Rob Kearney, who are both in contention for selection ahead of Friday’s lunchtime team announcement.