Rugby:Luke Fitzgerald is expected to put his disappointment at missing out on the World Cup behind him to line out for Leinster as they welcome Northampton Saints to Donnybrook on Friday night (7.0pm) for a re-run of the Heineken Cup decider.
Fitzgerald can count himself unlucky to miss out on Declan Kidney’s 30-man squad that was named on Monday, but the talented back has been included for the pre-season game along with Shane Jennings and Kevin McLaughlin, two others that were axed from the trip to New Zealand.
Leinster management are hopeful that David Kearney, who missed last weekend’s 14-13 victory over the Melbourne Rebels with a minor calf strain, will be available while secondrow Damian Browne is also in the frame for his debut against his former club.
Simon Shawe could also be in contention for selection as he has stepped up his rehabilitation following a quad strain, while Eoin O’Malley has recovered well after undergoing ankle surgery earlier this summer and may also feature. The team is expected to be picked on Thursday.
