Rugby:Leinster expect to have Isa Nacewa, Eoin O'Malley and Richardt Strauss available for selection for the season-opener against the Ospreys in the Liberty Stadium (7.05pm) but they have their injury worries as well.

Academy centre Eamonn Sheridan’s knee injury is more serious than first feared. The Navan man made three senior appearances last season but is unlikely to feature again until after the New Year.

South African lock Steven Sykes is also sidelined, but just for two or three weeks, after injuring medial ligaments and Ireland under-20 international wing Andrew Conway will miss the Ospreys trip after damaging his ankle.

David Kearney and Fionn Carr, who scored his first try since his return to the province this summer against Northampton Saints on Friday, are also available for selection when the team is named on Thursday, as are Jamie Hagan, Rhys Ruddock and Dominic Ryan.