Ross Byrne and Jamie Osborne could come into Six Nations contention in the coming weeks after Leinster confirmed the pair have stepped up their recovery from injury.
Ireland out-half Byrne has not played since hurting his bicep against Munster in November, while Osborne injured his shoulder in the game against Connacht that month.
Both would have been pushing for Ireland inclusion if fit, with the uncapped Osborne having been part of the wider squad before last year’s World Cup and Byrne featuring in that tournament.
He’d have intended to push Jack Crowley for the No 10 shirt, but instead his brother Harry and Ciarán Frawley have come off the bench in Ireland’s wins and the elder Byrne (29) will be desperate to get back on the pitch and show Andy Farrell what he can do.
Leinster trained in Mullingar today ahead of Saturday’s game and are without a slew of internationals.
Leo Cullen may get a couple of players back from Andy Farrell by the end of the week, while he also has a large contingent involved with the Ireland U-20s.
Martin Moloney (bicep), Alex Soroka (foot), Charlie Ngatai (calf), Cormac Foley (shoulder) and Jimmy O’Brien (neck) are all still out.
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