Leinster confirm Ireland flanker out for '8 to 10 weeks'

Ireland flanker Will Connors has been ruled out of action for '8 to 10 weeks' Leinster have confirmed.

Connors has won 9 caps for Ireland since making his debut in 2020 but hasn't featured for Ireland since last year's Guinness Six Nations, although he was involved in training camps as recently as last September.

"Will Connors, unfortunately, will be out for eight to 10 weeks after sustaining a knee ligament injury against Cardiff," Leinster said in a medical update ahead of their URC game against Edinburgh at the RDS Arena this weekend. "The flanker was replaced after half an hour of the defeat in the Welsh capital."

It's the second time the 25-year-old has been waylaid by a knee injury, suffering a simple problem last March which ruled him out of Leinster's PRO14 final plans.

The 6'5, 100kg backrow will be hoping make himself available to Leo Cullen for selection again before the end of the season.

"There is positive news for Dave Kearney who has returned to full training having recovered from a back injury.

"Josh Murphy has also recovered from a chest injury picked up against Bath Rugby and will be available for selection this week.

"Joe McCarthy, a debutant in the defeat against Cardiff, sustained an injury to his shoulder in that game and will be monitored in training this week before a final decision is made."

James Lowe (hamstring), Dan Leavy (wrist), Conor O’Brien (hamstring) and Michael Milne (calf) all remain unavailable.