Jamie Heaslip the new Leinster captain

Leinster coach Matt O'Connor has given the captaincy of the province to Ireland number eight Jamie Heaslip for the new season.

Heaslip succeeds Leo Cullen in captaining the province, with the latter having retired at the end of last season and switched his playing role for that of forwards' coach.

Heaslip is not stranger to captaincy having done so for Leinster and Ireland in the past. Sean O’Brien and Rob Kearney will also enjoye leadership roles within the squad.

Meanwhile in Connacht Andrew Browne has had knee surgery and is looking at four weeks on the sidelines.

Aly Muldowney (ankle) and Matt Healy (hand) will also join Browne in the rehab group for the next three to four weeks.

Backs Miah Nikora and Conor Finn both sustained minor back strains earlier in the week and are unavailable for the game with Wasps. Captain John Muldoon sat out training yesterday with a tight hamstring but will be reassessed ahead of the team departure on Friday.

Meanwhile, Dave McSharry and Nathan White have both resumed full training. White, who had minor back surgery in June, will be available for selection ahead of the season opener against Dragons on September 6th.

As part of the IRFU player welfare programme Irish internationals Robbie Henshaw and Kieran Marmion, who are both involved in full training, will be available for selection in round two of the Guinness Pro 12. Tighthead prop Rodney Ah You is available for round one.