Brian O'Driscoll sure to miss first two rounds of Heineken Cup

Speaking at Leinster's first press conference of the season, the Australian Head Coach said "Brian is not going to play in the first two Heineken Cup matches for us and that is for certain. It would be great if he played in the internationals before our second phase of the Heineken Cup but I would say it is touch and go." But added "If he is ready I will play him".

The 2005/6 Heineken Cup kicks-off on the weekend of Friday 21 October and Leinster will host Bath Rugby in Round 1 in Pool 5 on Saturday, 22 October. The following weekend Leinster will travel to Glasgow for Round 2 without their inspirational captain. Following the break for the Autumn Internationals, Leinster will welcome Bourgoin on Saturday, 10 December.

Asked about O'Driscoll's injury status, Cheika said that the Leinster number 13 was "putting in plenty of work and rehabbing well" but that no date had been set for his comeback.

Also speaking at the press conference Leinster Rugby's Chief Executive, Mick Dawson, confirmed that the province intend to play their three home Heineken Cup games at the RDS Showgrounds in the centre of Dublin. The venue is expected to have a capacity of around 13,000 spectators.