WILL CONNORS SIGNS NEW LEINSTER DEAL, RINGROSE COULD RETURN AGAINST OSPREYS

LEINSTER HAVE ANNOUNCED that Will Connors has signed a new contract.

The back row has earned 47 caps for the province since making his senior debut in 2017/18 after coming through the academy.

Connors, 28, didn’t make the matchday squad for Saturday’s Champions Cup semi-final win over Northampton at Croke Park.

He was drafted into the starting team for his chop-tackling qualities in both games against La Rochelle, though.

The Kildare native has nine Ireland caps.

Thomas Clarkson has also put pen to paper on fresh terms. The 24-year-old prop has made the most appearances in a season since his debut this campaign, with his Champions Cup bow included.

Meanwhile, Garry Ringrose could feature in Saturday’s URC clash with Ospreys at the RDS [KO 7.35pm].

The Ireland centre has played just once since January, owing to a shoulder injury.

In an injury update issued this afternoon, Leinster head coach Leo Cullen said Ringrose returned to full training last week and will be “further assessed before a final decision is made on his involvement”.

Hugo Keenan will also undergo further assessment as the Irish full-back targets his return from a hip setback.

In further good news, Tommy O’Brien and Jimmy O’Brien are both available for selection.

Jimmy O’Brien came through Saturday’s win with no issues after his recent neck injury, while Tommy O’Brien is back in full training after a hamstring injury.

Cullen could offer no further update on James Ryan (arm) and Alex Soroka (foot).

2024-05-06T15:01:14Z dg43tfdfdgfd