The 24 year old, so impressive in Munster's march to the British & Irish Cup title last season - defeating today's D4 opponents in the semi final - had an operation a fortnight ago to correct the problem and is looking at a return sometime in late January.

Meanwhile Leinster have included Isaac Boss, David Kearney Brendan Macken, Noel Reid, Sam Coughlan-Murray, Tom Sexton, Jamie Hagen, James Tracy, Ben Marshall, Jordi Murphy, Rhys Ruddock and Jack McGrath who skippers the side, in their squad for the game this afternoon at Donnybrook (2.30).  The twelve were all involved in Leinster's match day squad for the RaboDirect PRO12 defeat by Ospreys last time out.

Leinster A: Dave Kearney; Andrew Boyle, Tom Daly, Brendan Macken, Sam Coghlan-Murray; Noel Reid, Adam Griggs; Jack McGrath capt, James Tracy, Jamie Hagan; Tadhg Beirne, Ben Marshall; Rhys Ruddock, Conor Gilsenan, Jordi Murphy. Replacements: Tom Sexton, Jack O'Connell, Martin Moore, Jack Conan, Jordan Coghlan, Isaac Boss, Cathal Marsh, Adam Byrne