Kilkenny manager Derek Lyng hasn't ruled out a possible return of outgoing county players Huw Lawlor and Billy Ryan at some point this season but admitted the Cats are 'planning without them' for 2026. - LISTEN BELOW
"We've known about the lads situation for a while and they've given a huge amount of service to Kilkenny," Lyng told the Kilkenny People Sport Podcast.
"It was something that was important for them that they got the opportunity to travel but obviously that leaves opportunities for other players that come and take that position.
LISTEN/READ: The Derek Lyng Interview - what can we expect from Kilkenny in 2026?
"We have real healthy competition in there at the minute, we have a good number of players in and I'm really happy with the energy and application by everybody," the Kilkenny manager continued.
Asked if there was a possibility either player could return return from their travels and feature in his plans before the end of the inter-county season, the Emeralds clubman replied: "You never know what's down the line, but at the moment we're planning without them."
HEAR THE FULL DEREK LYNG INTERVIEW BELOW:
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