Cian Kelleher, pictured scoring a try against Leinster at the RDS in December, joined Connacht in 2017. Photo by Matt Browne/Sportsfile

James Lowe will miss Leinster's crucial Champions Cup clash against Toulouse next weekend after he was handed a two-week ban for his red card against Munster.

Leinster will not appeal the suspension and the winger will instead be free to return for the European champions' final pool game against Wasps on January 20. The Kiwi was sent off in the 32nd minute of Leinster's indisciplined defeat to Munster last weekend for taking Andrew Conway out in the air.

The disciplinary committee ruled that the act warranted a low-end entry point of four weeks but subsequently reduced the ban by two weeks due to his clean disciplinary record as well as his conduct throughout the process.

It means that Lowe will also miss Leinster's clash against Ulster tomorrow, as several of the front-liners are set to be rested, including Johnny Sexton, who is set to be replaced by Ross Byrne.

Johann van Graan is hopeful that Chris Farrell will return from a quad strain for Munster's trip to Galway to face a Connacht side, who will be without Bundee Aki.

All provincial head coaches are expected to juggle their resources ahead of the conclusion of Europe over the next fortnight.

Meanwhile, Connacht look set to be dealt a blow at the end of this season with starting winger Cian Kelleher considering a move back to his home province Leinster.

The 24-year-old switched provinces in 2016 and has played 42 times for the Westerners, scoring 13 tries. Kelleher's contract is up at the end of this season and it is understood he is likely to rejoin Leinster on a two-year deal.

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Irish Independent