Cullen’s fingers crossed for Van der Flier

Leinster boss Leo Cullen faces a wait on several injured players, including star flanker Josh van der Flier, to face the Vodacom Bulls in Saturday’s URC final at Croke Park.

Van der Flier, World Rugby’s 2022 Player of the Year, is nursing a hamstring injury and according to a club update on Monday, will be further assessed before a final call is made on his availability for the Dublin clash.

There is similar uncertainty around prop Tadhg Furlong, centre Garry Ringrose and fullback Hugo Keenan, who are all nursing calf niggles.

Tommy O’Brien is fit and available after coming through last week’s semi-final win against former champions Glasgow unscathed, while Jordan Larmour is also in contention after featuring in the extended squad.

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However, there are no new updates on lock Brian Deeny and centre Robbie Henshaw, along with loose forwards Will Connors and Caelan Doris.

Cullen’s men aim to end a three-year final drought and shake off the disappointment of URC semi-final exits to the Bulls in 2022 and 2024. The Irish giants advanced with a six-try dismantling of Glasgow, but face a Bulls outfit that edged them 21-20 at Loftus in March.

Saturday’s final will mark Leinster’s first URC decider, with the Bulls hunting a maiden title in their third appearance in four seasons of the competition.

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