Leinster appear happier than Montpellier to play Friday night's Pool A fixture in the Heineken Champions Cup.
Leo Cullen's squad returned to training on Tuesday, having postponed Monday's sessions due to a COVID-19 outbreak. Three senior players, and one member of staff, tested positive for the virus ahead of their opening weekend victory at home to Bath.
In their latest missive, Leinster said "an additional number of senior players" have also returned positive tests, and are all self-isolating.
Montpellier also shut down training on Monday, and their latest round of testing has identified a fifth positive case.
The Top 14 side say their preparations for Friday night's game have been "considerably" impacted by the outbreak. Montpellier say those who have tested positive are self-isolating, while training has been split into various pods.
Both sides will be hoping to avoid the scenario that befell last week's meeting of Bristol Bears and Scarlets. The Premiership club were awarded a 28-0 bonus point win by the EPCR, with quarantining numbers meaning Scarlets couldn't fulfil the fixture.
The latest updates suggest that Leinster have the numbers to cope with their outbreak, with Montpellier significantly compromised.
The French outfit say they will continue to implement "a strict and rigorous health policy" to protect their players and staff.
Leinster statement:
Leinster Rugby returned to training today at UCD following yesterday’s postponement and a full round of antigen and PCR tests which were carried out on site.
Leinster Rugby can confirm that the club is assisting an additional number of senior players who have tested positive for Covid-19 and are now self-isolating.
The latest cases follow the antigen and PCR testing which were carried out at Leinster Rugby on all players, coaches and staff.
The HSE has been informed in accordance with public health guidelines, as has EPCR.
The remaining members of the Leinster Rugby squad will train today in UCD and will continue to test daily and take all necessary precautions ahead of Friday’s Heineken Champions Cup game against Montpellier in France.
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