LEINSTER AND IRELAND stalwarts Cian Healy and Sean O’Brien are expected to return to full contact training in two to three weeks, the province said today.

Neither powerful forward has featured for Leinster beyond September this season with O’Brien requiring a second operation on his shoulder and Healy severely injuring his hamstring.

While images of the pair training alongside (but separately) Matt O’Connor’s squad have appeared in recent weeks, the province today outlined a more definitive timeframe for their recovery.

The two to three week schedule does not allow for a return in time for European fixtures. However, should either player continue hitting their individual training targets, they could be in the mix to feature for Ireland during the Six Nations.
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On the more immediate front, Leo Cullen’s pack could be bolstered by the return of tighthead Marty Moore for this weekend’s trip to Cardiff, with Ben Te’o expected to make his third appearance after a cameo role in the win over Ulster.

Shane Jennings took part in training this week, but has not yet been given the all-clear from the hamstring issue that kept him out of the clash with Ulster. Rob Kearney, Eoin Reddan and Dominic Ryan also took part in training with no ill effects reported by the eastern province.

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