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Leinster strength & conditioning coach Daniel Tobin puts O'Brien and Healy through their paces in UCD. Cathal Noonan/INPHO

Sean O'Brien and Cian Healy should be back playing rugby in the next month or so

Ho ho ho.

SEAN O’BRIEN AND Cian Healy are on course to return from injury “in the next month or so” in a major boost to both Leinster and Ireland.

O’Brien (shoulder) and Healy (hamstring) were initially expected to miss the Six Nations but now look to be winning the race for fitness following their return to training.

Marty Moore (shoulder) and Ben Te’o (arm) are also expected to make their comeback early in the new year.

All four trained again in UCD on Tuesday and “are stepping up their recovery on a daily basis,” Leinster said.

Meanwhile the province are waiting for further news on Kevin McLaughlin who was forced off during the win over Connacht with a shoulder injury, and is being assessed by a consultant.

Matt O’Connor will name his team for the St Stephen’s Day inter-pro against Munster at midday tomorrow.

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16 Comments
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    Mute Oran Burns
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    Dec 23rd 2014, 5:58 PM

    Mega :)

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    Mute MarkMurph1
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    Dec 23rd 2014, 6:47 PM

    Blessed with such strength and depth now, hope we make the most of it. Heres to a healthy and successful 2015!

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    Mute Shane O'Donnell
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    Dec 23rd 2014, 9:19 PM

    Have you been watching the provinces recently? Scrums in reverse all over the gaff.

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    Mute Jason Rush
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    Dec 23rd 2014, 6:37 PM

    Two world class players that I wish were kiwi. Hopefully they’ll bring back what Leinster have been missing.. Grunt and efficiency up front combined with some destructive ball carrying.

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    Mute David Staed
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    Dec 23rd 2014, 6:22 PM

    Great news coming into world cup year but the best thing is, they won’t just walk back into the team, they will have to fight for their place because the other lads have done so well in their absence. Happy days.

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    Mute Shane O'Donnell
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    Dec 23rd 2014, 7:54 PM

    If fit both are automatic choices.

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    Mute Stephen O Flynn
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    Dec 23rd 2014, 9:10 PM

    Nobody has come anywhere near performing even close to healys level. Scrum has been going backwards for ages.

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    Mute Matt F
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    Dec 23rd 2014, 6:39 PM

    The boys are back in town :-)

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    Mute Peter Slattery
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    Dec 23rd 2014, 7:46 PM

    Hope Sean takes his time and comes back without injury concern. God have mercy on any team facing both him and Healy back on form! Exciting times ahead.

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    Mute Cian Walker
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    Dec 23rd 2014, 6:56 PM

    We still have time to sharpen up and blow Wasps and Castres away in January. Positive vibes chaps! Is MOC giving in on his stubborn ideology a little or is that just me? The last 3 games seem to be at least TRYING to sort out the problem areas? Is it just my wishful thinking?

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    Mute Chris Mcdonnell
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    Dec 23rd 2014, 7:23 PM

    Cian until we play with half backs that can move the ball we will not get any better.
    No back tries created since away to traviso.

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    Mute Cian Walker
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    Dec 23rd 2014, 11:39 PM

    Reddan (Mc Grath 21), Madigan 10, Reid 12, Fitzy 13 please please please

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    Mute Darren Doheny
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    Dec 24th 2014, 10:41 AM

    Leinster have been getting very little forward ball for the their half backs to be fair.

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    Mute Dave Murray
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    Dec 23rd 2014, 6:52 PM

    Brilliant news, possible inclusion for the last two crucial pool games of the Champions Cup would be excellent and have them battle hardened for the 6 Nations :)

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    Mute Brian O' Connor
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    Dec 23rd 2014, 8:25 PM

    As Leinster was the only Irish team to win last weekend and showed a marked improvement in cohesiveness, when these two players become available it can only strengthen the squad. Running the ball requires winning the ball first and that is why the old saying ” forwards win matches the backs by how much”. Next Friday will show just how much Leinster’s forwards have improved as I am quite sure the breakdown will be contested with the usual Munster vigour that earned them a comprehensive win last time out.

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    Mute Chris Mcdonnell
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    Dec 25th 2014, 11:26 AM

    Brian the breakdown was handed to Munster because someone though it was a good idea to put only one or two players into the ruck v Munster.
    Hopefully Leo will have enough balls about him to speak up this time and tell Matt that unless your forwards meet Munster head on with at least if not more numbers at the ruck your going to get your ArSe handed to you

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