Kevin McLaughlin faces lengthy lay-off after surgery

Leinster’s Kevin McLaughlin is set to be out for the next 12-weeks after it was confirmed he will require surgery on an injury he picked up during his side’s Pro 12 win over Connacht.

Flanker McLaughlin was forced to withdraw after hurting his shoulder in the 21-11 win at the RDS, and following consultation it was decided he needed surgery and faces a lengthy lay-off.

Elsewhere Matt O'Connor has no fresh injury concerns ahead of Saturdays Pro12 visit of Ulster.

Centre Ben Te’o, who fractured his arm on debut against Edinburgh in November, is available for selection, as is Fergus McFadden, leaving O’Connor with a pleasant selection headache in the backline.

O'Connor has received further good news as prop Marty Moore is also available for selection following his return from a shoulder injury he suffered in October's away win against Zebre.

Dominic Ryan is still being assess under return to play protocols on the back of a head injury he sustained in the first half of the 28-13 defeat to Munster on St Stephen's Day.

Two of Leinster's star men, Cian Healy and Sean O'Brien, are on course to make their comebacks in the new year.

A Leinster statement read: "Cian Healy and Sean O'Brien continue to make excellent progress and are still on track for a return in the next few weeks."