O'Leary is obviously staying out of contact and is off the crutches at this stage, but is present at squad sessions and whilst not taking part fully is practicing his passing, and most certainly making a steady recovery.

Jerry Flannery is training away, carrying out selective gym and strengthening work and continues to advance with his recovery, and Payne is quite pleased with how everything is progressing for both players.

Ciaran O'Boyle is still carrying an ongoing hamstring injury, but both Darragh Hurley and Duncan Williams are both going well after their respective surgeries (neck and shoulder).

The Churchill Cup players, Denis Hurley, Denis Fogarty, Donnacha Ryan, Niall Ronan, and Tony Buckley will return to training this coming Monday and new signing Felix Jones will also be joining the squad for the first time.

New Zealander Toby Morland, brought in to cover injuries at scrumhalf, has joined the pre-season training and is settling in well, and is undoubtedly enjoying the fine summer weather in Ireland!