LEINSTER HAVE RULED Jonathan Sexton out of this weekend’s return clash with Northampton Saints at the Aviva Stadium.

Sexton suffered a knee injury early in the second half of Saturday’s thumping 16-43 win away to Northampton Saints and had to be helped from the field while his team-mates forced their fourth try of the day.

The out-half was sent for a scan on the injury, the result of which will show the severity of the issue and determine how long Leinster must plan for his absence.

Centre Joe Tomane is also set for a spell on the sidelines as he has aggravated his hamstring injury. He will miss out on the remaining three rounds of Champions Cup fixtures as the medical team have put a six to eight week timeframe for his recovery.

James Ryan is among the doubts for Saturday against Northampton after he was taken off for a HIA in Franklin’s Gardens.

In positive news, Sean Cronin is due to take a full part in training this week after working his way through a neck injury.

Peter Dooley has also returned to a full programme after a knee knock away to Glasgow.

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