Leinster confirm forward blow ahead of Lions clash
NEWS: Leinster suffered a blow in their pack ahead of Saturday’s United Rugby Championship quarterfinal against the Lions in Dublin.
The Irish province revealed that they will be without loosehead prop Paddy McCarthy for the remainder of the season after he picked up a foot injury in the Champions Cup final.
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The 22-year-old was making his return to action in the final after four months on the sidelines, recovering from an operation on his right foot sustained in the group stage fixture against La Rochelle in January. However, he lasted fewer than 10 minutes after replacing Andrew Porter after an hour in Bilbao, and was seen on crutches after the match.
McCarthy took to social media soon after the 19-41 defeat to Bordeaux-Begles to confirm that he had injured his other foot on this occasion, and Leinster have now confirmed that he will be sidelined until the end of the season.
“Thanks to Darren Kickey for getting me back in time for the final,” he wrote. “Always proud to play for this club. Unfortunately hurt the other foot today. We go again now…”
There is no clarity yet as to whether the four-cap Ireland international will be available to play under Andy Farrell in July, where Ireland take on Australia, Japan and the All Blacks in the Nations Championship.
This is a dent to Leinster’s URC title defence, where they host the Lions on Saturday.
In the injury update issued by the club, it was confirmed that winger Joshua Kenny and lock Brian Deeny are both available to take on the Johannesburg-based club after missing the Champions Cup Final.
There were no further updates on Ryan Baird, Jack Boyle, Will Connors, Hugh Cooney, RG Snyman and Charlie Tector.
Leo Cullen will be tasked with rallying his troops this week as they look to rebound from their galling Champions Cup final defeat – their fourth in the past five seasons.
