FORMER CONNACHT OUT-HALF Craig Ronaldson is currently training with his native Leinster as he steps up his recovery from a serious knee injury.
Ronaldson, who has been sidelined since last October after suffering knee ligament damage against Leinster at the Sportsground, left Connacht after six years at the end of last season.
Currently without a professional contract, the 29-year-old is working his way back to full fitness and has linked up with Leo Cullen’s squad at UCD with a view to shortly returning to All-Ireland League action with Lansdowne.
Ronaldson, who was part of Connacht’s Pro12-winning squad, is also providing Leinster with additional out-half cover in the absence of Ciarán Frawley, who is currently sidelined after ankle surgery.
Having joined Connacht in 2013 after impressing for Lansdowne, Ronaldson played close to 100 times for the western province but missing most of last season with that serious knee injury damaged his chances of a new contract at the Sportsground.
Speaking to The42 in May, Ronaldson — who can also play in midfield — said that he has ‘unfinished business in the game’ and he would be ‘fairly annoyed with myself if it was the last time I was on a professional rugby pitch. I’ve a lot more to give.’
With Johnny Sexton away at the World Cup, Ross Byrne and his newly-capped younger brother Harry are Cullen’s options at out-half at the start of the Pro14 season.
Following back-to-back bonus point wins over Benetton and Ospreys, the defending Pro14 champions welcome Edinburgh to the RDS on Friday evening [KO 7.35pm, eir Sport/Premier Sports].
Meanwhile, Leinster have confirmed the Celtic Cup final will take place at Energia Park this Sunday, 13 October.
Noel McNamara’s ‘A’ side, who finished top of the table with seven straight wins, will face Ulster ‘A’ in the 2019 decider at 3pm.
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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.