LEINSTER HOOKER SEAN Cronin is set to return to light training this week while recovering from a neck injury.
The 33-year-old suffered the injury in training at the World Cup with Ireland, last featuring in the win over Russia.
Leinster’s medical update today says Cronin will resume ‘light skill work’ in UCD this week.
Prop Ed Byrne returned from a neck injury in Friday’s win over Connacht with no issues.
Robbie Henshaw is set to feature for this weekend’s Champions Cup opener at home to Benetton. The centre was replaced in the centre by Jimmy O’Brien on Friday after reporting ill in Galway.
Meanwhile, a back injury will keep prop Vakh Abdaladze out of contention for the coming weeks.
No need to rush Cronin back, neck injuries are very hard to rehabilitate and coupled with his age and the nature of his position better to be safe than sorry. With the form of Kelleher the 2 jersey is in very good hands, I hope he’s first choice in the European games and Tracy/Byrne coming off the bench both are capable players. Pity for Vakh he had put in some eye catching performances so far this season but with furlong and porter back he probably wouldn’t have featured all that much over the next few weeks anyways.
@Ian Verdon: it’s hard not to see Kelleher starting at the weekend. Would be tough on Tomane if Ringrose & Henshaw went straight back in to the team. He’s been excellent this year. Same goes for Keenan.
@Kevin: I would bring ringrose in. Maybe Henshaw on the bench. Tomane has been one of our stand out players this season so far, I think he deserves to retain his place. I would like to see Larmour in the 15 shirt with Byrne and Lowe on the wings but I have a feeling it will be Rob at 15 with Larmour and Lowe on the wings. Keenan has been a revelation in the 15 jersey, his form before having an injury nightmare last season was very impressive too. Job has been playing very well too across numerous positions and is always a good bench option for just that. Hate to have the job to pick a 23 with so many in form.
It’s a shame for Cronin that he’s not able to get back onto the pitch sooner but the Treviso game presents a great opportunity for Ronan Kelleher to get some European experience under his belt and push his case for 6 Nations selection.
I’ve been really impressed with not just Kelleher’s pace but his work-ethic around the pitch and ability to recover from mistakes quickly; a quality that’s needed in a top hooker.
Seeing him being taken off around the 50 minute mark would suggest that Kelleher’s in with a shout for a start this week.
What is happening with Robbie Henshaw he seems injured so often
@Oliver Curley: He was sick, not injured.
Sean Cronin & Robbie Henshaw are not playing enough rugby to justify their places in the squad. Maybe it is time to move on?
@Locojoe: you certainly are Loco, or maybe just don’t watch any rugby.
Sean Cronin played 20 times for Leinster last season, more appearances than Niall Scannell for Munster. And had 13 tries in those games! Top try scorer in Champions Cup and from a hooker.
He might be getting older but he was the best club hooker in Europe last season, so I think he will be around a bit longer….
@Tom McGirr: When have you seen him play a full match?
@Locojoe: when have you last saw a hooker play a full match?
Again I don’t think you watch rugby as all front rows are replaced in every game basically.
I have just presented you with facts from last season, and you have ignored them all. Poor trolling effort to be honest.
@Locojoe: they only arrived back from Japan ffs . Did you know Johnny Sexton hasn’t kicked a goal for Leinster in 6 months !?? Time to drop him maybe !!