Leinster boosted by return of Marty Moore and Rhys Ruddock

Leinster coach Leo Cullen has received a considerable boost ahead of their return to Guinness Pro12 action this weekend with news that Ireland international forwards Marty Moore and Rhys Ruddock are both fit to return to action.

Leinster host the Dragons at the RDS on Saturday (2.30pm) as they look to build on their 23-15 win over the Cardiff Blues at the Ballsbridge venue last time out.

Tighthead prop Moore and blindside flanker Ruddock both missed out on Ireland’s World Cup because of injury, but both have returned to training and are available for selection for the Dragons game.

Moore has not played since the Champions Cup semi-final defeat to Toulon in Marseille in April. The 24-year-old damaged a shoulder in that match, although his latest absence was due to a foot operation.

Ruddock’s absence from the Leinster first-team is longer still, having last played at the beginning of March due to an arm injury that required two operations.

Ruddock’s return is more marked in light of the unfortunate news of Kevin McLaughlin’s forced retirement due to repeated concussions.

Secondrow Tom Denton is also available for Leinster after completing return to play protocols, with Leinster reporting a full bill of health outside long-term injuries to fellow secondrow Mick Kearney and prop Ed Byrne.