Lancaster confident Van der Flier will be fit for Wales

Leinster coach Stuart Lancaster is confident that flanker Josh van der Flier will be fit for Ireland's opening Guinness Six Nations game against Wales in 12 days’ time.

The 28-year-old was withdrawn at half-time during the province’s Champions Cup win over Bath on Saturday for what was described as a "minor groin injury".

Asked if he believed the in-form forward was a doubt to face the Welsh, Lancaster said: "No."

"I’m pretty confident. I spoke to him yesterday. I’m hopeful he’ll be fine but we’ll see how it plays. Certainly, when we took him off it was precautionary. He seems to be fine.

"He mentioned it at half-time and we just took him off.

"I’m a pint-glass half full kind of guy."

Andy Farrell's side host Wales on 5 February in the Aviva Stadium.

The Wicklow man will rehab with the Ireland team in national camp.

Meanwhile, Tadhg Furlong and James Ryan are "making good progress" on their respective injuries.

The Leinster duo have joined up with the Ireland camp and will continue their rehab on calf and hamstring injuries under the IRFU’s medical team.

Lock Ryan was withdrawn ahead of their Champions Cup victory over Montpellier eight days ago, while prop Furlong was replaced early in the game.

Utility back Jordan Larmour is recovering from facial injury suffered during the 64-7 Champions Cup win on Saturday.

"Jordan Larmour was removed temporarily during that clash with Bath after picking up a facial injury but he is still expected to be available for the Six Nations," said Leinster, who face Cardiff in the URC on Saturday.

Josh Murphy (chest) and Dave Kearney will undergo further monitoring this week before a decision is made on their availability at the weekend.

There are no further updates on James Lowe (hamstring), Dan Leavy