Henshaw, van der Flier, Conan and O'Brien injured as Leinster survive Toulon fightback

Key facts

• Robbie Henshaw suffered a head injury early in the game and was carted off.
• Josh van der Flier also departed after a head injury.
• Jack Conan limped off in the second half with a knee injury.
• Tommy O'Brien was replaced in the second half, reportedly due to cramping.
• Leinster built a 29-11 lead with 13 minutes remaining.
• Toulon scored two late tries to threaten a comeback.
• Leinster held on to win 29-25.
• Jamison Gibson-Park was targeted by Toulon but managed to finish the game.

Leinster's injury toll mounts in hard-fought semi-final victory

Leinster's 29-25 Champions Cup semi-final win over Toulon at the Aviva Stadium came at a cost, with four players forced off due to injuries. Inside centre Robbie Henshaw was carted off early after a nasty head knock, while back row Jack Conan limped off in the second half. Openside flanker Josh van der Flier also exited with a head injury, and right wing Tommy O'Brien was replaced late in the game. Head coach Leo Cullen provided an optimistic update post-match, indicating the injuries may not be as serious as initially feared.

Cullen provides update on injured quartet

"Robbie and Josh got two head knocks," Cullen said. "They'll go through the graduated return-to-play protocols as standard. The two of them are OK there now." Regarding Conan, who hobbled off with a knee issue, Cullen added: "He's pretty bullish in there, saying he's fine. Again, we'll get him checked." O'Brien's departure was attributed to cramping, according to the coach. "Tommy went off as well. I think he's cramping is what's going on there. That's the majority of it, I think."

Gibson-Park targeted but endures

Scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park also felt the effects of Toulon's physical approach, with Cullen noting: "Jamo shipped a couple of knocks. You could see they were targeting him right from the very start of the game but Jamison is made of tough stuff. He managed himself through the game." The coach praised his team's resilience, saying: "Generally, I think the lads are not bad. A game of this magnitude, everyone has thrown themselves into the contact area. Nobody is leaving anything out there."

Leinster's commanding lead nearly slips away

Leinster appeared in control, building a 29-11 lead with 13 minutes remaining. However, Toulon launched a spirited comeback, scoring two tries and threatening to snatch victory in the closing minutes. The home side held on to secure a 29-25 win, advancing to the final. Cullen acknowledged the tension: "It's great, it's what you want from a game at this stage of the competition."

What lies ahead for Leinster's wounded squad

The four injured players will undergo further assessment in the coming days. Henshaw and van der Flier will follow the standard concussion protocols, while Conan's knee will be evaluated. O'Brien's cramping is unlikely to be a long-term concern. With a Champions Cup final on the horizon, Leinster will hope for positive news on all fronts. The team's depth will be tested if any of the injured are ruled out.

The bottom line

• Leinster beat Toulon 29-25 in a tense Champions Cup semi-final.
• Four players—Henshaw, van der Flier, Conan, O'Brien—left the field with injuries.
• Cullen gave encouraging updates, suggesting head injuries follow protocols and Conan is optimistic.
• Gibson-Park was targeted but played through the match.
• Leinster's lead nearly evaporated as Toulon scored two late tries.
• The team awaits medical results ahead of the final.