Leinster missing D'Arcy for cup final

A recurrence of his calf injury has ruled Leinster centre Gordon D’Arcy out of Friday night’s Amlin Challenge Cup final against Stade Français in the RDS (8pm).

The injury forced D’Arcy from the field of play in last weekend’s Rabo PRO12 semi-final against Glasgow Warriors and after further examination he has been ruled out of contention for the final.

The Leinster management remain hopeful about his midfield partner Brian O’Driscoll, who also picked up a knock and was forced to come off against Glasgow.

O’Driscoll is recovering from a back spasm and at this point the Clontarf man is rated as having a good chance of being available for Friday’s fixture.

The management expect Sean O’Brien (calf) to be available after he missed last weekend’s game, while Dave Kearney is also poised to return to action after his recent five-week absence.

Aside from that there were the usual bumps and bruises arising from the Glasgow game.

Leo Cullen received stitches to a cut above his right eye but the influential skipper finished the game.

Kevin McLaughlin received a bruised eye following an accidental collision with his team-mate Fergus McFadden who received treatment after receiving a kick in his right knee, which is not thought to be serious enough to keep him out of contention.

Ireland hooker Richardt Strauss also received treatment on a knee injury, but the medical team are also confident that he will be available for selection.

With the province’s six British & Irish Lions representatives involved in camp yesterday, Leinster didn’t train until today ahead of the visit of the French side to the RDS.