SEAN O’BRIEN IS expected to return to training with Ireland tomorrow after a scan revealed just a minor strain on the flanker’s hamstring.
The openside was a late withdrawal from the side to face Italy in Saturday’s Six Nations curtain-raiser and was replaced by Tommy O’Donnell who went on to score the game’s second try.
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The warm-up strain forced O’Brien to extend his wait for a return to international rugby having not played since Ireland’s loss to New Zealand in November 2013. Today’s update issued by team manager Mick Kearney left open the possibility for O’Brien to play some part against France.
“Sean O’Brien did an MRI scan last night which confirmed a hamstring strain on the minor end of the scale,” reported Kearney.
“He is feeling good and we are hopeful that he will train with the squad tomorrow.
If he comes through that, he will be available for selection. Whether that will happen or not, we will have to wait and see.”
Nursing a hamstring is far from ideal preparation however, and missing the Italy game means he is short on match fitness for a potential Test against tier one opposition.
Hooker Rory Best is also a doubt for the Aviva Stadium with France on Saturday. The hooker failed a pitchside concussion test and was replaced by Sean Cronin in Rome. Ireland’s coaching staff report that Best subsequently improved when tested post-match and continues to follow the return to play protocols.
Gradual
“He has been very well since the game and is completing a gradual return to play protocol. If he completes the protocol without any symptoms, he will be available for selection – he certainly will not be ruled out at this stage.”
Jamie Heaslip returned to full training last week and so is expected to retake his number eight jersey against Les Bleus. The Leinster captain should also be joined by Cian Healy in the squad after he too completed a full training session last week.
O'Brien set to train tomorrow after 'minor' hamstring issue, Rory Best dealing with concussion
Updated 14.45
SEAN O’BRIEN IS expected to return to training with Ireland tomorrow after a scan revealed just a minor strain on the flanker’s hamstring.
The openside was a late withdrawal from the side to face Italy in Saturday’s Six Nations curtain-raiser and was replaced by Tommy O’Donnell who went on to score the game’s second try.
The warm-up strain forced O’Brien to extend his wait for a return to international rugby having not played since Ireland’s loss to New Zealand in November 2013. Today’s update issued by team manager Mick Kearney left open the possibility for O’Brien to play some part against France.
“Sean O’Brien did an MRI scan last night which confirmed a hamstring strain on the minor end of the scale,” reported Kearney.
“He is feeling good and we are hopeful that he will train with the squad tomorrow.
Nursing a hamstring is far from ideal preparation however, and missing the Italy game means he is short on match fitness for a potential Test against tier one opposition.
Hooker Rory Best is also a doubt for the Aviva Stadium with France on Saturday. The hooker failed a pitchside concussion test and was replaced by Sean Cronin in Rome. Ireland’s coaching staff report that Best subsequently improved when tested post-match and continues to follow the return to play protocols.
Gradual
“He has been very well since the game and is completing a gradual return to play protocol. If he completes the protocol without any symptoms, he will be available for selection – he certainly will not be ruled out at this stage.”
Jamie Heaslip returned to full training last week and so is expected to retake his number eight jersey against Les Bleus. The Leinster captain should also be joined by Cian Healy in the squad after he too completed a full training session last week.
Originally published 14.00
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