Leinster’s Zane Kirchner out for four weeks

Leinster's Zane Kirchner has been ruled out for four weeks and will miss Saturday's Champions Cup match against Castres Olympique at the RDS.

There was better news for coach Matt O'Connor as captain and Ireland number eight Jamie Heaslip took a full part in training over the past couple of days, although no decision on his availability will be taken until later in the week.

Kirchner sustained what was originally thought to be bone bruising to his shin against Ulster but a second scan revealed a small fracture. Both Cian Healy and Seán O'Brien have met with their surgeons this week and continue to make "excellent progress".

Rhys Ruddock had the case removed from a broken arm and is targeting a mid-February return to match fare, possibly the Dragons match. Kevin McLaughlin's arm is no longer in a sling following shoulder surgery, while Tom Denton (neck) and Shane Jennings (hamstring) are both available for the Castres game.

A decision on whether to appeal Jack McGrath’s three-week suspension will be taken on Wednesday prior to the 5pm deadline.

Connacht's New Zealand born tighthead Nathan White has returned to action ahead of schedule after rupturing a tendon in his upper arm last October.

White has been named in the Connacht Eagles team to take on Leinster A at the Sportsground on Wednesday (4pm). The Kiwi, who was in line to make his Ireland debut against South Africa last November, was expected to be out for four months but has shaved six weeks off that timeline.