LEINSTER RUGBY HAVE confirmed that Johnny Sexton is returning to contact training as he continues his recovery from a head injury.

The Leinster captain hasn’t played since failing a Head Injury Assessment against Exeter Chiefs in the Champions Cup quarter-final in April and was subsequently left out of the British & Irish Lions squad. 

Leinster said the number 10 “will continue to develop contact in training and will also require further assessment.”

Flanker Will Connors will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery on a knee issue. His last game for the province arrived against Munster in January.

Elsewhere, both Jimmy O’Brien and Caelan Doris came through the Round 3 clash with Ulster unscathed, while scrum half Jamison Gibson-Park will return to training this week after his hamstring injury.

Thomas Clarkson (hamstring), Ciarán Frawley (shoulder), Rhys Ruddock (calf), Harry Byrne (hamstring), Jack Dunne (ankle), Dan Leavy (knee), Adam Byrne (hamstring), Conor O’Brien (knee) and Max Deegan (knee) all remain unavailable for selection.

Leinster play Glashow Warriors away in Friday’s Guinness Pro14 Rainbow Cup Round 4 tie. [KO 8.15pm, eir Sport]

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