Leinster's Johnny Sexton to miss Champions Cup opener against Montpellier

Leinster is likely to miss the services of Johnny Sexton in the Heineken Champions Cup opener against Montpellier following an injury.

The 35-year-old suffered a dead leg in Ireland's third-place play-off Autumn Nations Cup encounter against Scotland and was forced to leave the field in the 64th minute.

He is set to be joined by James Ryan on the sidelines after the 24-year-old suffered a head injury during the game at Aviva Stadium.

In the absence of Sexton, Ross Byrne, who provided him cover during the win over Scotland is expected to be part of Leinster's starting line-up in the game at GGL Stadium with Garry Ringrose still unavailable due to a jaw injury.

Following the game against Montpellier, Leinster will lock horns with Northampton Saints in the second round at RDS Arena on 19th December.

Leo Cullen's side already had a terrific start to the season after winning all their seven matches in the Pro14 and are positioned second in Conference A table behind Ulster.