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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Michael Scully

Caelan Doris available to Leinster for Connacht trip but Leo Cullen to be without a host of frontliners

Caelan Doris is available for table-toppers Leinster's visit to Connacht on Friday night - but Luke McGrath, Ryan Baird, Jordan Larmour and Rhys Ruddock are all ruled out.

Jack Conan is doubtful for Leo Cullen's side for the Sportsground clash, but Dave Kearney could make after a recent injury issue.

Influential back row Doris has come through the graduated return to play protocols and will be available for selection having sat out last Saturday's thrilling 54-34 victory over the Sharks at the RDS.

READ MORE: Leinster 54-34 Sharks score recap as the Blues are pushed all the way in thriller

Winger Dave Kearney could be in Leo Cullen's team plans after he picked up an adductor injury against Ulster but is expected to return to team training this week.

Conan was a late withdrawal from the match day 23 at the weekend with a back injury suffered in the warm-up against the Sharks and will be further assessed this week.

Fellow back row Ruddock, meanwhile, along with scrum-half McGrath and versatile pack member Ryan Baird all failed to return after HIAs in the game and have now entered the return to play protocols.

Cullen has also confirmed a short-term contract for hooker Tadgh McElroy.

The Dundalk native is a former Ireland U-20 international and has played for Saracens, Bristol Bears, Ealing Trailfinders and most recently London Irish over the last few seasons.

McElroy, who has represented Clontarf FC and Lansdowne FC in the Energia AIL, has most recently played for the Leinster Rugby 'A' team and has impressed Cullen with a string of strong performances, including a hat-trick of tries against Connacht Rugby 'A' in Energia Park.

"Tadgh has performed really well over a number of games with the 'A' team," said Cullen.

"He's a good addition to the squad over the next few months and has taken his chance well over the last few games and we wish him well."

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