IRELAND CAPTAIN CAELAN Doris and hooker Ronan Kelleher are both facing races to be fit for next Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations meeting with Wales.
Doris (knee) and Kelleher (neck) will both have their training workloads managed this week as Simon Easterby’s side prepare for their trip to Cardiff.
Iain Henderson (hamstring) and Cormac Izuchukwu (ankle) are both ruled out of the Round 3 clash with injury.
But there is better news concerning both Mack Hansen and Joe McCarthy, who have returned to training, while Tadhg Furlong is “continuing to make progress” according to the latest official update.
Easterby has called six new players into camp this week, with Ulster trio Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale and Nick Timoney joined by Munster’s Gavin Coombes and John Hodnett and Leinster’s Diarmuid Mangan.
Craig Casey, who is continuing his recovery from a long-term knee injury, will also link up with the camp this week.
Very good read i cant wait for huge Gavin to play for them look’s like all irish side’s have plenty of dept and strength
Murray, you left Shayne Bolton out of your back 3 assessments, probably the most explosive back in the squad, behind Mack, of course!
@Mary Corrigan: Was that him running in tries against Glasgow? looks a tidy player.
@Thesaltyurchin: Yes, it was!
@Mary Corrigan: Hope he can stay healthy!!! Really want this lad to get some luck this season…Pace and Power bottled.
At some stage this season hoping that we have Santi @ FB, Mack and Bolton on the wings!!
That’s a tasty back 3!
I’ve a feeling Ioane is going to be a dud signing. The Chiefs fans I’ve come across online are delighted to be getting rid of him
@5sZl1dX2: Sometimes a player needs a change of scene to recapture his form
Some gems in the Connacht Squad, Gavin, Ioane, Cordero who should make their mark this season.I still feel Connacht is the IRFUs greatest uptapped opportunity for a number of reasons.
Firstly there are quality players at Leinster who wont get much game time, think Scott Penney, Harry Byrne or Rob Rusell. All would be in the mix for a Connacht European match day 23
Secondly the current Connacht squad is particularly week in the front five. Just investing in acquiring 3 international players at SR, LH and Hooker would substantially level up Connacht and make those European away games more winnable for them. Wish the IRFU would allocate a few million more to Connacht and help them move into ERC knock out contenders
@Owen ODonoghue: One thing connacht never lack for are speedy outside backs, so Russell might not get many more games than at Leinster. Penny would at best be 2nd choice at 7 to Moose, who was Connacht’s best player in a strong back row. You’re mostly right about the tight five, but our international locks (Dillane and Thornbury) moved on because Connacht couldn’t afford to hold onto them, especially with RO’G headhunting Dillane.