Rugby: Leinster expect to have Luke Fitzgerald and the rest of their walking wounded to be available for Friday's visit of the Dragons to the RDS (7.35pm)
The Ireland wing injured his knee in the opening game of the season against Ospreys last weekend and was forced to leave the field during the 27-3 defeat. After a scan, he sat out today’s session but is “likely to be available”, according to a statement.
Prop Jamie Hagan is expected to return to training on Wednesday when he recovers from bruising to his eye.
A decision on Andrew Conway’s (ankle) availability will be made later in the week.
The province will welcome tighthead prop Nathan White this week after he captained Waikato in their ITM Cup final defeat to Hamilton. He too is expected to be fit for the weekend.
Dragons will wait on further examinations on Ashley Smith’s hamstring strain before making a call on the centre, while captain Tom Willis and number eight Tom Brown will only partake in light training this week, though both are expected to recover from dead legs in time for Friday.
Fullback Steffan Jones was removed from the field during the 20-12 defeat to Munster as a precaution as is also expected to feature.
“We are hopeful that all the boys will be available for Friday’s game but we are keen to protect our players who will be getting a lot of playing time over the next few weeks so we won’t be taking any risks,” said coach Darren Edwards today.
