Leinster suffer double blow as lengthy absentee list grows in South Africa
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Sidelined.
Leinster have been dealt a double injury blow ahead of their second game of the new season, with Max Deegan and Harry Byrne ruled out of Saturday’s clash with the Sharks in Durban.
Both players suffered concussions during Saturday’s narrow 27-26 defeat to the Lions at Ellis Park and have now entered the graduated return-to-play process.
Deegan had captained Leo Cullen’s side in Johannesburg but was forced from the field for a head injury assessment after 59 minutes and did not return.
Byrne, meanwhile, had been introduced from the bench early in the second half in place of 20-year-old out-half Caspar Gabriel.
There is also a concern over academy back-row Josh Ericson, who requires further assessment after suffering a neck injury against the Lions.
Ericson had impressed on his first senior start before initially leaving the field after 50 minutes. He briefly returned when Deegan was sent for his HIA before being replaced again.
Leinster were already managing a lengthy injury list heading into the new campaign.
Captain Caelan Doris remains sidelined with foot and knee issues, while RG Snyman is recovering from a knee injury and Jamison Gibson-Park is unavailable with a groin problem.
Jack Boyle (Achilles), Paddy McCarthy (foot), Jordan Larmour (calf), Diarmaid Mangan (foot) and James Culhane (hamstring) also remain unavailable.
There is some positive news for Cullen, however, with scrum-half Cormac Foley available for selection again following his recovery from a calf injury.
Leinster face the Sharks at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Saturday, with kick-off at 5.30pm Irish time.
