MIKE ROSS FACES a race to be fit for the Six Nations after suffering a hamstring strain in Leinster’s Champions Cup defeat to Toulon last weekend.
The 36-year-old has been Ireland’s first-choice tighthead prop for the entirety of Joe Schmidt’s reign as national coach, but the timing of his injury may open the door for Nathan White, Marty Moore or Tadhg Furlong.
Ross has been virtually ever-present for Ireland in recent years, having started every single Six Nations game since the 2010 season. His remarkable run of championship starts now looks like it may be at an end, with Leinster confirming that Ross faces six weeks out with a high-grade hamstring strain.
34-year-old Nathan White and Furlong played back-up to Ross at this year’s World Cup, with Moore out injured.
Meanwhile, Leinster and Ireland loosehead prop Cian Healy’s appeal hearing will take place on Wednesday, after the province refused to accept a two-week ban handed to Healy last week.
The suspension was lifted for Saturday’s defeat to Toulon, but Leinster will now hope to see Healy freed to feature against Munster in the inter-provincial Guinness Pro12 tie at Thomond Park on 27 December. It is not expected that Healy will need to travel to Paris again for the appeal hearing.
Johnny Sexton is a doubt for the Munster game, as he sits out training early this week due to a quad strain he sustained last weekend. The out-half’s injury is similar to that which ruled him out of Ireland’s World Cup quarter-final against Argentina.
Sean O’Brien must come through a full week of training unscathed to prove his fitness and return from his recent struggle with vestibular impairment.
Leinster say they have not received any notification from the IRFU that international players will be held back from the inter-provincial clash with Munster.
To think that she took up rugby 7 years ago and is now one of the most capable wingers in her sport. Incredibly talent. Good woman Ali
It’s catch and run. Not that difficult as she was already a top athlete
Catch and run? If that was the case, we would all be playing in the world cup.
It’s a lot more than catch and run, if you knew anything about rugby, you’d know that. Scarlett for ya buddy!
Ailbhe, don’t rise to the pathetic efforts of wind up merchants/trolls. People like him that don’t play or have never played rugby have no idea the level of skill and intelligence involved to be a top level player.
Ah Gary, I was just going to challenge him to a game. See if he can handle being dump tackled by a girl ;)
I repeat. Catch and run
Ok John, come to our training tonight. I’ll throw you the ball. You just simply catch and run….see how you fair. Up for the challenge? Or another keyboard warrior?
The best of luck to the Irish Ladies Rugby Team in their semi final against England. They have given a great lift to everyone with their achievements.
Stop running them down, they’re all lovely girls and they all have lovely bottoms.
Yours etc,
Niamh Horan
Played against her yrs back she tore us apart brilliant player, I’ve everything crossed for tomorrow I’m hoping for a Ireland/Canada final
I played against her too. When I tried to tackle her, I subluxed my shoulder. Out for nore than a month. I didn’t slow her down and I doubt I even altered her course. Ouch
Fantastic player Ali Miller is, best of luck tomorrow girls
She’s the type of athlete that can turn her hand to any type of sport.. Well done miller!!!
Ballet????
You are a muppet
Best of luck Ali