Leinster Lions quartet of Furlong, Van der Flier, Ringrose and Keenen still in running to face Bulls

RTÉ News​

6 hours ago

Leinster's Tadhg Furlong, Garry Ringrose and Josh van der Flier trained with Leinster today "to some degree" and are still in the running to face Bulls in Saturday's BKT URC final.
Ireland and Lions prop Furlong has not played since the start of May as he recovers from a calf injury.
Centre Ringrose, who will go on his first Lions tour this summer, has been out since the Zebre game on 10 May with a calf issue, and missed both knockout wins over Scarlets and Glasgow.
Flanker van der Flier, also a first time Lions tourist, came off after 28 minutes of Leinster's win over Scarlets with a tight hamstring nine days ago.
"They were at different levels but it's great to have them out on the park," Leinster assistant Tyler Bleyendaal told RTÉ Sport when asked about Furlong and Ringrose's prospects for the Croke Park clash.
"They were kind of mixing their rehab with a bit of rugby and we'll see how far they integrate during the week whether or not they are available for selection.
On Van der Flier and Hugo Keenan, who was ruled out of their semi-final win against Warriors late last week with a calf injury, the New Zealander said: "The same, out on the pitch to some degree and depending on their rehab plans, they might progress more or have to stay but we'll make that assessment, probably tomorrow morning."
Speaking after the 37-19 win over the defending champions, head coach Leo Cullen indicated that Van der Flier and Ringrose were closer to the "top" of the list of possible Lions players who could feature at Croke Park, while Furlong and Keenan were ranked in "the middle".
"Tadhg obviously brings a lot and hopefully he comes through the week well," said hooker Dan Sheehan, who scored a brace of tries at Aviva Stadium on Saturday.
"Obviously we have quite a few big names out but that's just part of this time of the season, boys are banged up so anyone we can get back would be great, but we also have a strong squad with good depth."
There were no further updates on Will Connors, Brian Deeny, Caelan Doris and Robbie Henshaw, while Tommy O'Brien came through the game with no issues following a recent injury.
Meanwhile, Bleyendaal admitted that Leinster, last league champions in 2021, will need to improve but felt that the Warriors battle will stand to them.
Franco Smith's side scored two late converted tries to put a deceptive look on the scoreboard, while Sam Prendergast missed six kicks at goal.
"It's an interesting one," said the attack specialist.
"We had a tight battle against the Scarlets, who did play well and we ground out a good win.
"Glasgow turned up with great intent, I thought. They are still a very difficult team.
"The scoreboard might not have reflected that but if you ask the players I'm sure they are feeling all the contacts from the weekend and it definitely wasn't an easy match.
"We feel like it was a great result for us, a semi-final victory, it was hard earned, and it was a physical battle.
"We're grateful for the win and very much aware that we do need to improve again."
Leinster and Bulls, who beat Sharks 25-13 in their semi-final, will name their teams for the final on Thursday.