Snyman returns to training as Leinster sweat on La Rochelle clash
INJURY UPDATE: Leinster have been boosted by the return of RG Snyman to full training as they build towards a blockbuster Champions Cup clash with La Rochelle, with the Springbok lock emerging as a key fitness watch ahead of Saturday’s pool showdown at the Aviva Stadium.
Having endured an injury-plagued career at club level, Snyman sustained a shoulder injury and left the field inside the opening 20 minutes of the Champions Cup match against Harlequins early in December.
The South African lock had recently celebrated his 50th Test cap against Ireland in Dublin, making the timing of the setback particularly frustrating.
Robbie Henshaw has been cleared after recovering from the finger injury that forced him off early in Leinster’s URC win over Munster at Thomond Park. The centre sat out last week’s victory over Connacht but is now available as Leinster turn their attention to Europe.
Garry Ringrose has also resumed training, while Snyman’s return adds further intrigue to Leinster’s selection picture. A final call on the availability of all three will be made later in the week as the province adopts a cautious approach in the lead-up to facing Ronan O’Gara’s French heavyweights.
That wait-and-see theme continues elsewhere in the squad. Flyhalf Harry Byrne was a late withdrawal from the bench against Connacht, while tighthead prop Rabah Slimani pulled up with a calf issue during the warm-up and was ruled out of the matchday 23. Both players will undergo further assessment before Saturday.
La Rochelle arrive in Dublin in ominous form after demolishing Toulon 66-0 in the Top 14 on Sunday, running in 10 tries against a youthful visiting side. The match also marked the return of Will Skelton, who made his first appearance since November off the bench, adding further muscle to an already imposing La Rochelle pack.
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