Leinster’s Jamison Gibson-Park set to feature against Bath

Ireland’s first-choice scrumhalf in November is back in full training after a thigh injury

Jamison Gibson-Park is back in full training and could feature against Bath. Photograph: Ben Brady/Inpho
Jamison Gibson-Park is back in full training and could feature against Bath. Photograph: Ben Brady/Inpho

Jamison Gibson-Park looks set to return to the Leinster matchday squad in some capacity for their opening Champions Cup game against Bath at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday (kick-off 3.15pm).

Gibson-Park was Ireland’s first-choice scrumhalf in the Autumn Series until suffering a thigh injury in the victory over New Zealand which ruled him out of the Argentinian game and has sidelined him since then, but he is now back in full training.

There have also been positive updates on a trio of other players. Max Deegan came through the game against Connacht with no issues after his mouth injury, Dan Leavy will return to full training this week having come through the Graduated Return to Play Protocols as will Rory O'Loughlin, having recovered from a shoulder injury

Against that, after just recently returning from injury, the unlucky Will Connors will be sidelined for a few weeks with a hamstring injury picked up in training last week.

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The Bath game also looks like coming a mite too soon for James Ryan, Johnny Sexton and Jack Conan. According got a Leinster statement Ryan "will continue to train with the team and in line with World Rugby protocols James will continue to be monitored including seeing an independent concussion consultant as part of his return to competitive action.

“Johnny Sexton: will look to increase his training load this week and will be further assessed before a final decision is made on his recovery from knee and ankle injuries

“Jack Conan: will look to increase his training load this week and will be further assessed before a final decision is made on his recovery from a quad injury.”

Cian Healy has also emerged as a doubt after being withdrawn at half-time in last Friday's win over Connacht with cramp as a precaution and will be further assessed this week.

Gerry Thornley

Gerry Thornley

Gerry Thornley is Rugby Correspondent of The Irish Times