Leinster trio set to return

With Leinster forced to cope without a host of internationals during the RBS Six Nations, young trio David Kearney, Eoin O’Malley and Dominic Ryan have made a timely return to training.

All three are fit and available for selection ahead of Friday’s RaboDirect PRO12 clash against Cardiff Blues in the Arms Park (7.30pm) with O’Malley in line to make his 50th appearance for the province.

Joe Schmidt’s team selections over the next few weeks are likely to mix youth and experience with the likes of Leo Cullen, Shane Jennings, Isaac Boss, Isa Nacewa and Heinke van der Merwe set to feature alongside a number of Academy players who have featured frequently over the course of the campaign.

A number of players who have shown good form in the British and Irish Cup side’s qualification into the quarter finals of the competition in April – could also come into the mix.

It is also hoped that some of the players helping with the preparation of the Ireland squad could be available for selection.

The team to face Cardiff will be named on Thursday at noon.