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.
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.
Originally published 14.00
If u don’t care don’t vote
God some people are just too cool! If only I had thought of coming up with such a cool opening line! But evidently it’s off to school for me for not being cool enough!
I can’t believe it’s almost 50/50 here. What business do the managers have in dictating who should be commentating on games?
And in even bringing up the issue like this so publicly, they’ve effectively made it so RTE cannot back down on this, where some private words may have had some influence.
The self righteousness of the GAA community can be exasperating sometimes.
Amazing that it is almost 50/50! Considering most of the “commenters” seem to be supporting RTE’s stance.
Any chance of a “I don’t care option on the poll”
Then just don’t bother with it surely.
I didn’t
Who runs RTE, the GAA ?. Stick to the football lads, it’s what you do best, most of the time.
Ya managers should be spending more time worrying about on the field antics rather than off the field. Are these the same guys who complain about players rising up and going on strike and players tweeting? Surely this is the same kind of antics under different circumstances!
Why is an RTE IR issue anything but the business of RTE itself?
The GAA managers can comment on an individual basis if they like, but it’s nothing to do with them.
This meddling, on a wider scale, is the same mindset that led to the church trying to run the country, and the GAA in a former incarnation, trying to do likewise.
If it were a group of, say, politicians refusing to engage with a political commentator, there would be uproar.
Mind you, FF tried that before the last election, but that’s not exactly a surprise.
The GAA managers shpuld mind their own business and do what they are hired to do and getting weel paid for it……sshh dont tell anyone that last bit!! lol
I’m agreeing with the managers but only because I can’t stand canning or morrisey commentating. It’s a very odd situation though.
I’m with RTE for the reverse. :-)
He’s a dreadful commentator who emphasises all of the prepositions in his delivery. *In* Croke Park, *on* the halfway line etc. Couple his high pitched whine with his stock phrases of ‘a man called…’ and ‘none other than…’ and it’s enough to have me chewing the steering wheel!
Heaven forbid you’d want to know the score in a game either. I’ve often writhed through five or ten minutes of his ramblings just to get a score check.
Can’t abide his commentary. It’s an I’ll wind…
I’ve heard he’s being lined up for the Olympic Games as one of the lead commentators next year. Now if thats a snub then I take it any time. These guys should stick to the field and leave external politics out of it.
What did Carthy do to put RTE of side anyway.
Just a shite commentator. Should get ANY matches at any level. Pure drivel.
The managers should mind their own business.
I’m with Gus. His RISING pitch drives me loopy.
I don’t care!
There should be a neither of the above option. Carthy shouldn’t be lead commentator but the managers have a point in being annoyed at the way RTÉ prioritise – or don’t prioritise – GAA games. That’s the fundamental point.
See if I care….
I wonder how would the GAA Managers feel if RTE got onto the President of the GAA and said “We’re not covering any of your matches until so and so is appointed Manager of X county. talk about nonsense.
can’t have the manager’s telling us licence payer’s ,who to employ like the old day’s of the church telling us what to watch, seen that mickey harte is from tyrone does he even have a tv licence for rte.
Should be a Neither option on this Poll. Its Pointless!! RTE is and alway will be a Click anyhow!! Mind you Andy Gray and Richard Keyes are doin nothing at the moment. might spice up the camogie final!!!! Just joking!!!!!