Last eight.

Defending champions Leinster look set to be without injured Ireland international trio Robbie Henshaw, Josh van der Flier and Devin Toner for their crucial Champions Cup quarter final with Ulster next weekend.

All three picked up injuries during Ireland’s Six Nation campaign and now look set to miss out on of one Leinster’s biggest games of the season so far. Henshaw is still struggling with a number of minor injuries that have kept him out since the England at the start of February.

Toner underwent surgery last month to correct and ankle problem, and while he’s progressing well – is unlikely to be fit in time for the Ulster game. Josh van der Flier meanwhile is still awaiting results of a scan on a groin injury picked up in the win against France.

“It’s very frustrating for Robbie [Henshaw],” Leinster senior coach Stuart Lancaster told The42 when asked about Henshaw

“I feel sorry for him. He’s had two different injuries that have had different lengths out and he’s so frustrated himself.

“We’ll see [for Ulster], he’s the not on field with us yet so obviously the clock is ticking towards Ulster. We’ll have a better idea come Monday/Tuesday next week but again you get to the point in a week where you can’t wait.

“He’s making progress, he’s not far off but as to make he’ll Ulster we’ll see.” 

And on van der Flier and Toner:

He’s [van der Flier] gone for a scan today and seeing the specialist tomorrow so we’ll find out a bit more. I don’t think he’ll be available for the next week or two, but as to how many weeks it’ll depend on tomorrow.”

“They won’t be back with us until Wednesday, so it’s unlikely they’ll be available this week.”

[The42]