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Selected Lions star dramatically rules himself out in 'self-less' last-minute call
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Ronan Kelleher has been flown home by Leinster
By Ian Cameron
Ireland hooker Ronan Kelleher has been flown home from South Africa by Leinster – a decision branded as precautionary by the province.
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The Leinster second-string side came very close to beating the Sharks in Durban on Saturday, with an 83rd-minute attempt at the South African’s line judged to have been held up.
The 28 – 23 defeat in their first fixture against the Sharks in the URC isn’t all Leo Cullen’s side have had to contend with.
There are also concerns for their other hooker – James Treacy – who picked up a neck niggle during the week.
Kelleher had just returned to action for the men in blue after picking up an injury during the Guinness Six Nations.
A Leinster statement reads: “A 31-player squad is currently on a two-week tour of South Africa during which they play two games, the first of which was a defeat to Cell C Sharks last Saturday evening.
“Ahead of that clash, hooker Rónan Kelleher, named to start initially, was withdrawn as a precaution with a minor shoulder knock. He has returned to Dublin and will be assessed further at the squad’s base in UCD.
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“James Tracy picked up a neck injury in training last week and will be further assessed before a final decision is made on his availability for this weekend.
“The same applies to Max Deegan who suffered a shoulder injury during that 28-23 defeat in Durban.”
There was good news on Ryan Baird however.
“There’s also positive news on Ryan Baird. The lock picked up a back injury on Ireland duty during the Six Nations and he will now step up his rehabilitation in UCD this week.”
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There is no update on second row Jams Ryan, who is still making comeback after suffering a concussion against England during the Six Nations.
England second-row Charlie Ewels ran into Ryan and was red-carded for the incident just 70 seconds into their fixture in Twickenham in March. Ewels was subsequently banned.
