Leinster have received good news in advance on Saturday’s Amlin Challenge Cup semi-final against Biarritz with the news that a number of first team players will return to the starting line-up. Richardt Strauss has recovered from a hand injury picked up during last Sunday’s win over Zebre.

Fergus McFadden and Jonathan Sexton both look set to play on Saturday, however Dave Kearney has yet to return to on-field training and so it seems unlikely he will play a part.

Other first team players who will return to the side, following being rested for the trip to Italy, include Gordon D’Arcy, Sean Cronin, Cian Healy, Jamie Heaslip, Ian Madigan, Sean O’Brien, Mike Ross and Leo Cullen.

Image: Leinster's Jamie Heaslip, Ian Madigan, Cian Healy and Sean Cronin
©INPHO/James Crombie