Leinster suffer major injury blow ahead of URC Semi-Final

Leinster will head into their highly anticipated United Rugby Championship (URC) semi-final against Glasgow Warriors at the Aviva Stadium this Saturday without four of their British and Irish Lions stars.

Full-back Hugo Keenan, flanker Josh van der Flier, prop Tadhg Furlong, and centre Garry Ringrose have all been ruled out due to injuries.

Keenan, a key figure in Leinster’s backline, suffered a calf injury during training earlier this week and has been ruled unfit to play.

Josh van der Flier, last season’s World Rugby Player of the Year, picked up a hamstring injury during the quarter-final victory and has not recovered in time.

Both Furlong and Ringrose are also dealing with calf strains that have made them unavailable for this crucial encounter.

Despite these significant losses, Leinster’s coaching staff remains cautiously optimistic. It is believed that all four players are on track for recovery and could be available if Leinster make it to the final, which is scheduled to be held at Croke Park.

Leinster have made strategic changes to their squad in response to the injury setbacks. Jimmy O’Brien has shifted from the wing to cover Keenan’s position at full-back, while Tommy O’Brien returns from injury to occupy the right wing.

In the forward pack, Scott Penny steps in for van der Flier at openside flanker, and Dan Sheehan gets the nod at hooker ahead of Ronan Kelleher, who starts from the bench.

Their opponents, Glasgow Warriors, the reigning URC champions, have made minimal but impactful changes to their side.

Fin Richardson replaces Murphy Walker at tight-head prop, and Adam Hastings returns to the starting XV at fly-half. His inclusion pushes Tom Jordan to inside centre, with Stafford McDowall set to provide impact off the bench.