Irish Strauss' surgery blues

 

The Leinster hooker has missed much of the campaign due to a heart problem, discovered back in October, but he recovered earlier than expected and made nine appearances since his January comeback.

 

He had been in the frame for the summer tour of Argentina, but will now be recovering for a "number of months".

 

Leinster face off against Ulster in the Pro12 semi-final this weekend and besides Strauss, they are sweating on a number of players.

 

Eoin Reddan continues to make slow but steady progress from his shoulder injury but a final decision on his availability for this weekend's semi-final will not be made until later in the week.

 

While Mike McCarthy's injury is not as bad as first thought, he is unlikely to feature this weekend.

 

Luke Fitzgerald is out, but Matt O'Connor will have Sean O'Brien and Fergus McFadden available.