Furlong steps up ankle recovery, but yet to train fully

Leinster are hopeful Tadhg Furlong can return from an ankle injury in time for their St Stephen's Day Interpro with Munster at Thomond Park, however, the tighthead is yet to return to full training.

Furlong has missed the last two games, having picked up an ankle knock late in their 38-29 win against Ulster earlier this month in the BKT United Rugby Championship, but has stepped up his training load with a view to returning against Munster, or versus Connacht on New Year's Day, according to senior coach Stuart Lancaster.

"Potentially [available to face Munster], he took part in part of training today and it'll be a similar situation tomorrow," Lancaster told RTÉ Sport.

"We just want to make sure he’s 100% right. If not this week, then hopefully the Connacht game."

Johnny Sexton and Jordan Larmour both came through their returns from injury on Friday night against Gloucester unscathed, and while both will be fit for the game against Munster on Monday, Lancaster was coy on the potential make-up of the side next week.

The frontline Ireland internationals are expected to be rested for one of the two derby games, but Lancaster (below) says they have faith in the depth of their squad to maintain their 100% record so far this season.

"I think we've got great players, some who are returning from injury, but we’ve got players who have waited patiently for an opportunity as well.

"It’s a chance to give the lads opportunities, but equally the core of our squad will remain the same. We’re lucky we have strength in depth, we’ve lost a few lads to injury, but we’ve had a consistent run of performances now."

With the St Stephen's Day meeting with Munster not taking place until Monday, it throws off the schedule for both sides. Leinster trained