Tadhg Furlong out of URC Quarter-Final, eyes Lions return

Leinster Rugby will be without Tadhg Furlong for their crucial United Rugby Championship (URC) quarter-final against Scarlets this weekend in Dublin.

The influential tighthead prop has been sidelined due to a calf injury, which the club clarified is not a recurrence of any previous issue.

Though his absence is a blow to Leinster's plans, there is no long-term concern, and he remains firmly in contention for the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia later this year.

The injury comes just weeks after Furlong was named among twelve Leinster players in the 38-man Lions squad. Despite missing this weekend's match, the medical team remains confident he will recover in time for international duty.

Another setback for Leinster comes with confirmation that Robbie Henshaw will not return for the remainder of the club’s campaign due to a knee injury.

Even if Leinster progresses to the URC final, Henshaw will not feature. However, his recovery timeline keeps him within reach of a late Lions call-up, as he is expected to resume running within a month.

While Henshaw was not initially included in the main squad for the Lions, he is on the radar as a potential standby replacement should injuries occur during the tour. His situation will be closely monitored by both Leinster and Lions management.

In more encouraging news, Jordan Larmour could be back in the mix soon. The dynamic winger is nearing the final phase of his rehabilitation. A decision regarding his availability for the quarter-final will be made later this week.

Larmour’s return would provide Leinster with additional firepower in the backline as they aim to overcome recent injuries and maintain momentum in the URC. The coaching staff remains focused on navigating this testing period with squad depth and tactical adaptability.