Rugby

James Ryan to see concussion consultant as part of return to play

Dan Leavy also likely to miss Friday’s match against Connacht after HIA last week

James Ryan at the Leinster training ground on Monday. Photo: Ben Brady/Inpho

Gerry Thornley's face
Gerry Thornley
Mon Nov 29 2021 - 16:47

James Ryan will see an independent concussion consultant as part of his return to competitive action. The 25-year-old lock was forced to leave the field for a HIA when captaining Ireland against Argentina last Sunday week toward the end of the first-half and did not return.

Ryan has completed the graduated return to play protocols and will look to increase his training load this week as Leinster prepare to host Connacht in the URC at the RDS on Friday night (kick-off 7.45pm).

In their weekly injury update, Leinster added: “In line with World Rugby protocols James will continue to be monitored including seeing an independent concussion consultant as part of his return to competitive action.”

The province also confirmed that Dan Leavy has entered the graduated return to play protocols after being obliged to leave the field in the 21st minute of last Friday’s 20-10 defeat at home by Ulster and, likewise, did not return.

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Given the six-day turnaround before facing Connacht that would seem to indicate he is unlikely to feature on Friday.

Leinster are expected to welcome back Hugo Keenan, Garry Ringrose, James Lowe, Andrew Porter, Ronan Kelleher, Caelan Doris and Josh van der Flier after they were rested last week on foot of starting all three of Ireland’s Autumn Series games, as well as Michael Alalatoa, who was with the Manu Samoan squad for their match against the Barbarians at Twickenham, which was ultimately cancelled.

However Jack Conan (quad) and Johnny Sexton (knee & ankle) remain sidelined, as do Conor O’Brien (hamstring), Dave Kearney (back), Michael Milne (calf) and Rory O’Loughlin (shoulder).

In addition Jamison Gibson-Park will be further assessed this week for a thigh injury before a final decision is made on his inclusion while Max Deegan sustained an injury to his mouth during the game against Ulster Rugby and likewise will require further assessment through the week before a final decision is made on his inclusion.