Word has also reached here of the news that Peter Smyth has been sidelined for the whole of next season. Smyth has been diagnosed as having a non-cancerous brain tumor which will sideline him for next season but, pending an anticipated full recovery, should see him return the following season.

In a further blow to Leinster, their captain for the last couple of seasons Liam Toland has been told that he will not be granted further leave from the army and therefore will not be in a position to take up a full-time contract with the province .