Rugby:Brian O'Driscoll remains on target to complete his comeback from a shoulder and neck injury this weekend as the Ireland captain stepped up his training programme with Leinster. O'Driscoll has been given the all clear by the province's medical team and could feature in the Pro12 against the Ospreys on Friday night.

O’Driscoll has not played any rugby since going under the knife after last autumn’s World Cup. Hs last match was the World Cup quarter-final defeat to Wales on October 8th but he is now back doing contact work with Leinster in advance of is comeback.

Leo Cullen was also back training with the Pro12 leaders this morning but is not expected to make his return from an Achilles operation for at least another week with the Munster game on March 31st a more realistic target for the second row.

“Brian O’Driscoll is progressing well after stepping up his rehab in recent weeks and may be fit for selection this week,” the province explained this afternoon. “Club captain Leo Cullen is ahead of schedule and may also complete his comeback to the panel following Achilles surgery in late January.”

Brad Thorn is expected to make his eagerly anticipated debut for the defending European champions after joining on a short-term deal until the end of the season. The World Cup winning All Black did get his first run out for Leinster ‘A’ last week and is set to be unleashed against the Ospreys.

Leinster are optimistic, meanwhile, the nerve problem that forced Ireland tighthead Mike Ross off at Twickenham last Saturday will not keep him sidelined as the Pro12 and Heineken Cup seasons enter the home straights.

“Ross will be assessed by the medical team after suffering a shoulder injury in Ireland’s defeat to England in Twickenham and the province are hopeful that the Cork tighthead prop will return for the away trip to Munster,” the province added.