Stan Wright hasn't known a time like it. The versatile front rower has been a mainstay in the Leinster pack since his arrival midway during the 2006/07 season and has been a model of consistency ever since.

But ask him about recent events and he practically kicks the wall in frustration. A torn pectoral muscle sustained in the 70th minute of the 30-0 victory over Munster at the start of October has ruled him out until the New Year but his rehab, he insists, is going well and is on course.

A visit to the surgeon earlier this week confirmed the initial assessment, so he expects to be back in training over the coming weeks.

"It (the injury) was one of those things. I went to tackle Ronan (O'Gara) and I got him wrong, and I knew straight away that I was in trouble. Thankfully I'm on the mend and all the medical staff at Leinster, as well as my wife Cherie and family, have been really supportive to me, which I appreciate."

Wright's misfortune presented an opportunity for CJ van der Linde to make his return from his own injury, and the South African's recuperation received a timely boost last week when he was selected by the world champion's international panel for their Autumn Test series.

"I was delighted for CJ and it was the same for Cian (Healy) when he made his first appearance for Ireland last week. I texted them both to say 'good on 'em' before their games," Wright said.

"It was the same for Mike Ross and John Fogarty when they were picked for Ireland 'A'. Of course you want to see your team-mates get selected for their countries. It's a great honour for the club. We have a good frontrow and I'm proud of all the guys.

"We have huge competition for places just now and with Ronnie (McCormack) also in the mix, it's hard every week to get into the team. But I've always approached the game with the frame of mind that I wouldn't worry about others. I prefer just to concentrate on my own game."

Having earned six caps for his native Cook Islands, does Wright regret the absence of a regular run of international matches? "Of course you do, but I'm a proud Cook Islander. When the November series or the Six Nations come along, you get a bit of a break, which is good because it helps you rest and re-charge the batteries.

"There are times when you would love to have been lining out for your country, but the opportunity isn't there so you just get on with it. There's no real point in worrying about it.

"But you never know had I not been capped, I could nearly have been playing for Ireland! Just kidding ... "

Wright believes that the top four finish to the Magners League campaign is another timely boost to a competition that he believes has raised its standards year upon year.

"When I first joined Leinster, the league was at a decent level across the board, but all of the sides have improved and there are no guarantees for any of the sides, which is a good thing.

"At Leinster we have Jack McGrath in the Academy, who is really keen to make an impression. Paul Doran-Jones is in the England squad now and he was in the Leinster Academy in the first year I joined, while Jamie (Hagan) is doing well over in Connacht.

"There are lots of fellas in around Irish rugby and there's a young prop over in Edinburgh, Geoff Cross, who has also impressed me."

In fact, when Fiji line out against Ireland at the RDS tomorrow afternoon, there could be another familiar face in their front row.

"I wouldn't be a huge watcher of rugby in my spare time, but I'll be tuning into the game this weekend. You do learn new things from watching different props operate at international level.

"I would know a few of the Fijian guys and Graham Dewes was a young loosehead (prop) when I was playing at senior level for Auckland Marist. He has come on a lot.

"With Brewser (Mike Brewer) looking after their forwards now, they'll be physical up front and he'll be motivated to make an impression having coached so many of the Leinster guys.

"Fiji are a well-drilled team and they'll get stuck in.

"If the weather is poor then that won't suit their game, but with a bit of direction they could make an impression."

- Peter Breen