Seán O’Brien’s hamstring surgery confirmed by Leinster

Leinster have confirmed that Seán O'Brien underwent surgery to repair his torn hamstring in London last Saturday. The Lions, Ireland and Leinster flanker initially sustained the damage against France during the Six Nations Championship and then recently suffered a relapse at the end of his rehabilitation period. There is no date yet for any potential return to training.

There was better news for Leinster on the injury front ahead of Saturday's Guinness Pro12 final against Connacht at Murrayfield (5.30pm) when a scan showed no serious damage to an arm injury sustained by captain Isa Nacewa.

Rob Kearney is available for selection having missed the semi-final victory over Ulster with an ankle problem, while Fergus McFadden has served his suspension period and is eligible to play.

Leinster backs' coach Girvan Dempsey said: "Isa had an X-ray on his arm, and thankfully that came back all-clear . . . Ben Te'o went off with a slight calf strain, more tightening than anything, so he's good.

"Johnny Sexton got a bang on his glute. It stiffened up towards the end of the game, and it just has to be managed for the week, but he'll be fine."

Dempsey paid tribute to the team performance against Ulster, while also acknowledging the input of Jonathan Sexton.

“I think it’s across the board,” he said. “I think our senior players really stood up on Friday night, really grasped the game and played extremely well. Johnny has been exceptional, a really good leader off the field, but we’re fortunate that we have a number of guys who are in the position to do that as well.

“You look at the way he managed the game overall and the way he brought the backs and forwards into play, and the way he managed his kicking game to put pressure back on Ulster, it was exceptional.”