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.