Leinster's Fitzgerald to return to full training

Ireland and Leinster winger Luke Fitzgerald is set to return full training with the province this week bringing an end to eight months of rehabilitation after the flyer had surgery to correct a neck problem.

If Fitzgerald doesn’t make Saturday’s RaboDirect PRO12 clash against Connacht in the RDS (7.45pm) it is hoped that he will be in contention for the trip to Edinburgh in the next round of PRO12 matches.

Meanwhile the Leinster medical team have reported no major fresh injury concerns for the province arising from the 27-19 defeat to Ulster on Friday.

Noel Reid was replaced by Andrew Goodman on 54 minutes at Ravenhill after twisting awkwardly and feeling dazed but the province confirmed that his withdrawal was precautionary.

Second row Leo Cullen, meanwhile, required five stitches to a cut above his eye, but he will also take a full part in training this week.

The Leinster squad will train on Christmas eve before breaking for Christmas Day and they will then resume preparations for the weekend’s interprovincial clash on Wednesday.

The team will be announced on Friday lunchtime.