Leinster confirm Johnny Sexton and Tadhg Furlong set to be available for start of Six Nations

Leinster have confirmed that Johnny Sexton and Tadhg Furlong are both expected to be available for the start of Ireland's Guinness Six Nations campaign.

Sexton's involvement in the tournament, which sees Ireland get underway against Wales in Cardiff on 4 February, had been in doubt after undergoing a procedure on an injury to his cheekbone following a clash of heads with Connacht's Jarrad Butler in a BKT United Rugby Championship interpro on New Year's Day.

Furlong, meanwhile, had recovered from an ankle injury sustained in a URC clash against Ulster in December but subsequently suffered a calf setback in training last week.

Both players will miss Leinster's Heineken Champions Cup fixture against Gloucester.

But Leinster say the duo are on course to return in time for the Six Nations, with Sexton to undergo further assessment next week.

The province also confirmed that back-row Will Connors and prop Thomas Clarkson will continue to step up their rehabilitation from bicep and arm injuries respectively, but centre Charlie Ngatai has been ruled out of action this week after suffering a hamstring setback in the 24-19 win over Ospreys on Saturday.

Watch Munster v Toulouse in the Champions Cup on Saturday from 2.30pm on RTÉ2 and RTE Player with live blog on RTÉ.ie/Sport and the RTÉ News app. Listen to live commentary on Saturday Sport on RTÉ Radio 1.