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Robbie Henshaw fit for Leinster, RG Snyman and Garry Ringrose return to training ahead of La Rochelle clash

Robbie Henshaw suffered a finger injury in the URC derby against Munster
Robbie Henshaw suffered a finger injury in the URC derby against Munster

Leinster's Robbie Henshaw has recovered from a finger injury and is available for Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup clash against La Rochelle, while the province will assess RG Snyman, Rabah Slimani, Garry Ringrose and Harry Byrne during the week.

Ireland centre Henshaw suffered his injury in Leinster’s BKT URC win over Munster on 27 December but has been given the all-clear for this weekend's Pool 3 match-up with Ronan O’Gara’s side.

Out-half Byrne (calf) and prop Slimani were late withdrawals from the Leinster bench ahead of their 52-17 victory over Connacht at the weekend.

The duo will be monitored during the week before a final decision is made.

Lock Snyman and centre Ringrose, who both last featured against Harlequins at the start of December, have returned to training after shoulder and cramp injuries, respectively, and are in contention to face La Rochelle.

"RG and Garry returned to training, we'll just see how they react," said assistant coach Robin McBryde.

"It's the first time they've stepped back on the field so we need to assess them and see if there are any reactions."

pool 3 after r2

Victories over Leicester and Quins sees Leinster sit second in Pool 3 on nine points ahead of Saturday’s 5.30pm kick-off at Aviva Stadium, with the French side on five points after a win over Tigers and a defeat to the Stormers to their name.

There were no further updates on longer term injured players Hugo Keenan, Jamie Osborne, Ryan Baird, Jordan Larmour and Jimmy O'Brien.

Saturday's game will be the seventh meeting of the sides with Leinster having won the last three after losing the first three.

5 January 2026; Assistant coach Robin McBryde, right, with RG Snyman during Leinster Rugby squad training at UCD in Dublin. Photo by Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile
RG Snyman and Robin McBryde (r) at Leinster training on Monday

"It's different intensity, the game is a step up," said former Wales hooker McBryde, who admitted that they won't pay too much attention to the French side's 66-0 win over an understrength Toulon side on Sunday.

"From a forward point of view they are very strong at setpiece, their maul is a weapon as is their scrum.

"We need to lay a foundation that our backs can play off and provide them plenty of quality ball so that we can move them around a bit."

"La Rochelle are a formidable force. We showed on the weekend, we managed to convert a few opportunities but this is a Champions Cup game so it's a step up and it's all to play for.

"From a La Rochelle point of view they will probably be looking for that statement win themselves.

"It's going to be tough, a close game. Nothing easy is ever given."

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