Rugby news:Connacht's bruising Heineken Cup defeat to Harlequins on Saturday has added to their injury troubles as they prepare to return to Pro12 action with a trip to play defending champions Ospreys on Saturday.
In the backs Robbie Henshaw, Tiernan O’Halloran and Mata Fifita, as well as the centre partnership of Eoin Griffin and Dave McSharry, all picked up knocks from Saturday night’s defeat at the Sportsground. Up front, Mike McCarthy and Adrian Flavin are also nursing injuries.
Young South African centre Danie Poolman will train with the squad after returning from a week in Germany where he underwent intensive treatment on a hamstring injury.
Andrew Browne, Gavin Duffy, Matt Healy, Mark McCrea, Paul O’Donohoe, Ethienne Reynecke and Kyle Tonetti still remain unavailable for selection due to injury.
Coach Eric Elwood knows there will be no let-up this weekend against the Welsh side.
“It’s been a busy fortnight with two teams competing in Europe - Heineken and B&I Cup - and with this our ninth consecutive match weekend there is obviously a big demand on our squad and we are looking at some injuries.
“But it’s back to Rabo duty this week, and we’re very much looking forward to the Ospreys game. Over the years, we’ve had huge physical encounters with the Welsh side and we’ll be expecting the same this weekend.”
Meanwhile, Leinster reported no major injury concerns arising from Saturday’s victory over the Scarlets in Wales, while the province’s ‘A’ team were narrowly edged by Pontypridd in Sardis Road.
Gordon D’Arcy successfully came through 80 minutes after his recent rib injury, while Richardt Strauss received stitches to a cut on his chin.
It is hoped that Rob Kearney (back) will be available this weekend while Quinn Roux (ankle) will also continue to be assessed by the medical team.
Rhys Ruddock successfully came through his first run out of the season in Pontypridd and he is set to be available for selection for the visit of Cardiff to the RDS on Saturday. David Kearney is also expected to be available.
Secondrow Tom Denton was a late withdrawal from the ‘A’ game with minor calf tightening but that will not affect his availability this week when the team is named at lunchtime on Friday.
