Porter and O'Brien return to full training as Carbery steps up ACL recovery ahead of URC opener

Leinster head into their United Rugby Championship campaign with renewed optimism after Andrew Porter and Tommy O’Brien returned to full training ahead of Saturday’s season opener against the Lions at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.

A club statement confirmed on Monday that loosehead prop Porter, a 150-cap Ireland international, has recovered from a calf issue, while O’Brien has overcome a groin complaint to put himself back into contention for Leo Cullen’s matchday squad. The defending URC champions face consecutive away fixtures in South Africa, with a trip to the Sharks following the Lions clash.

Adding to the positive mood, new signing Joey Carbery took another significant step in his recovery from the ACL injury that has delayed the start of his second spell at the province. The 30-year-old playmaker, who rejoined Leinster during the off-season from Bordeaux after previously leaving for Munster, will increase his training involvement this week. Although Saturday’s opener is expected to come too soon, Carbery was included in the 41-man squad that travelled to South Africa, a sign that his return is drawing closer.

With Sam Prendergast set to carry the primary burden at fly-half and Harry Byrne the other recognised senior option, Carbery’s eventual availability would hand Cullen an experienced alternative capable of challenging for the No.10 jersey.

Elsewhere, Leinster’s injury list remains relatively manageable. Scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park is sidelined with a minor groin complaint, while Cormac Foley, Jordan Larmour, Diarmuid Mangan and James Culhane are also unavailable. There were no fresh updates on longer-term concerns surrounding Jack Boyle, RG Snyman, Caelan Doris or Paddy McCarthy.

Cullen’s travelling squad of 41 includes nine academy players alongside returning recruits Carbery and loosehead Peter Dooley.