Leinster’s prop injury woes have continued after Tadhg Furlong came off injured in their defeat to Benetton.
The Irish Independent have confirmed that the tighthead has become a major doubt for the Champions Cup semi-final against Toulon on Saturday.
Furlong adds to the injury list
Tadhg Furlong has been a stalwart of Leinster and Irish rugby since he broke out in the Leinster senior side in 2013. Furlong has been heavily impacted by calf injuries in recent years and was a major doubt for this year’s Six Nations.
The tighthead limped off in the 28th minute and was replaced by Thomas Clarkson. Leinster are expected to give a medical update later today.
Leinster had risked a nearly full-strength side against Benetton, hoping that it would have them all ready for the semi-final against Toulon. The risk was always going to be if they picked up an injury.
Prop depth already stretched
Leinster have been supplying prop depth for Ireland in recent years. In the lead-up to the Six Nations, Ireland had to turn to the other provinces, particularly at loose head. During the Six Nations, Loughman and Milne of Munster and Tom O’Toole of Ulster held up the looshead side of the scrum.
The injuries to Porter and others have also been a concern for the province, which recalled Ed Byrne on loan, who had previously been at the club.
Thomas Clarkson is a very able tighthead replacement if Furlong were unable to play against Toulon and was in the Lions squad last summer in Australia. In the previous round of the URC, Clarkson started against Ulster and was deputised by Rabah Slimani, who will be leaving Leinster at the end of the season.
Toulon have a strong and physical squad, and a good set-piece will be crucial for Leinster to build a solid foundation to play from.
