Dan Sheehan and James Lowe set for timely Leinster returns ahead of Six Nations

Ireland internationals Dan Sheehan and James Lowe are set to make their returns from injury in Leinster's United Rugby Championship clash with Stormers on Saturday.

The duo were both included in Simon Easterby's Six Nations squad and are set to link up with the team in Portugal on Sunday.

Hooker Sheehan has been out of action since suffering an ACL injury against South Africa last July, while winger Lowe last played in the Autumn Nations Series win over Australia in November. The Kiwi native has recovered from a calf issue.

Sheehan and Lowe, who have 27 and 36 international caps, respectively, have been regular starters for Ireland over the last few seasons.

Addition, Will Connors, who won the last of nine Ireland caps in 2020, has recovered from a hamstring injury he picked up against Ulster at the start of December.

Ireland begin their Six Nations campaign against England in Dublin on 1 February.

Back Liam Turner and forward James Culhane will step up rehabilitation this week but have not been ruled out for the visit of the Stormers to Aviva Stadium on Saturday (5pm).

There were no further updates on Rob Russell, Michael Milne and Jordan Larmour.

Leinster have won all 13 games this season and sit top of the URC standings.

They beat Bath last Saturday to claim a top-two seeding for the Champions Cup knockouts.

More to follow...