Leinster to lean on returning Lions as they go in search of first URC win

LION LOWE: James Lowe during a training session with Leinster. Pic: ©INPHO/Nick Elliott.

Leinster will recall some of their victorious British and Irish Lions into their matchday squad for this week’s first home URC the, against the Sharks, as they go about righting the wrongs from a winless tour to South Africa.

Leo Cullen’s side brought home just one try-scoring bonus point with them on the back of difficult outings against the Stormers, who beat them 35-0, and the Bulls who exacted revenge for last season’s final loss in Croke Park.

The province’s Lions contingent, other than Thomas Clarkson who featured last weekend in Pretoria, were left behind for the mini-trip as they went about their return to play on the back of that 2-1 series win against the Wallabies in Australia.

But it is now certain that some of that cohort will be on deck at the Aviva Stadium this Saturday evening. James Lowe and Ronan Kelleher, both of whom were on media duties on Monday, seem certain to be among the returness.

All told, Leinster had 17 players in Oz with Andy Farrell’s tourists.

“There's a few of them available for selection,” said assistant coach Sean O’Brien, “and we'll have a chat in the morning again, the coaches, and see who's in and see who's out.

"But it's been nice to have a couple of them back, maybe involved, and add that bit of experience to the group and try and try and take a step further.”

Jamie Osborne who, like Clarkson, was a late addition to the Lions roster, is another player available again, in his case after a minor ankle injury that forced him out of contention for the South African experience.

Two of the Lions - Joe McCarthy and Hugo Keenan – remain unavailable because of injury. So does Caelan Doris as he continues to rehab his way back from the injury that cost him his shot on that tour Down Under.