James Ryan in line for Leinster return as Leo Cullen waits for Ireland trio 

Leinster look set to welcome back James Ryan from injury for this Saturday’s Guinness PRO14 final against Ulster at Aviva Stadium but the province will hold off on fitness decisions regarding Tadhg Furlong, Jordan Larmour and Dan Leavy.

Ireland second-row Ryan has not featured since the 2019-20 season was restarted last month as he recovers from a procedure on a shoulder injury he underwent during the Covid-19 lockdown. He had returned to training ahead of last Friday’s PRO14 semi-final with Munster but was not risked as Leinster stayed on course for a third title in a row with a 13-3 victory. Ryan now appears ready for the fray with Leinster on Monday saying the lock is expected to be available for selection, a major boost for both Leo Cullen and Ireland head coach Andy Farrell ahead of their respective Heineken Champions Cup and autumn Test campaigns.