Will Connors among Leinster returnees ahead of Racing clash

Leinster flanker Will Connors could make his first appearance since October against Racing 92 on Saturday but Johnny Sexton and Tadhg Furlong remain unavailable due to injury.

Connors will return to full training this week after recovering from surgery on a bicep injury suffered during Leinster's win over the Cell C Sharks on 8 October.

Thomas Clarkson, Max Deegan, Joe McCarthy and Luke McGrath are also expected to train fully ahead of the Heineken Champions Cup date with Racing at the Aviva Stadium, live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player.

Deegan, McCarthy and McGrath have all shaken off ankle injuries while prop Clarkson has recovered from an arm complaint.

Leinster reported no fresh injury concerns following the 49-14 win over Gloucester, which secured their place in the Champions Cup last 16.

Ireland prop Furlong remains sidelined with an ankle injury sustained in last month’s comeback win against Ulster, while Sexton underwent surgery on an injured cheekbone earlier this month.

Leinster confirmed last week that both players are expected to be available for Ireland’s Six Nations opener away to Wales on 4 February.

There were no further updates on Charlie Ngatai (hamstring), Ed Byrne (knee), Jason Jenkins (hamstring), Robbie Henshaw (wrist), Martin Moloney (knee), Ciarán Frawley (knee), Charlie Ryan (knee) and Tommy O’Brien (knee).

Watch Leinster v Racing 92 in the Heineken Champions Cup live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player from 2.30pm on Saturday. Listen to live commentary on RTÉ Radio 1.