Ireland issue injury updates on Sheehan, Kelleher and Conan

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell issued an optimistic injury update, saying that sidelined hooker Dan Sheehan is recovering ‘ahead of schedule’ a week out from the Rugby World Cup.

Sheehan went off injured during Ireland’s win over England in the Rugby World Cup warm-ups and there were concerns regarding his participation in the flagship tournament in France.

However, according to Farrell, the Leinster No.2 is ahead of schedule with his rehab.

“He’s flying it, he’s ahead of schedule to where he should be,” the Farrell said of Sheehan’s recovery. “So all things are pointing in a positive direction but at the stage that we’re at, all things need to align.

“He’s back running well ahead of schedule. It all starts off on AlterG [an anti-gravity treadmill] to see whether they can cope with running et cetera.

“He was back running last week, he was flying along yesterday with the physios and he’s certainly bullish within himself and so are the medics as well.”

There was also good news on No.8 Jack Conan, who got through a full training session with Ireland on Friday. Ronan Kelleher is also ready for selection, having been declared fit as early as last week.

“Jack trained yesterday and obviously end-stage rehab is always about being able to back it up the next day, so we’ll so how that goes today.

“Ronan was fit last week so he’s certainly fit to go. He did a full session yesterday so he’ll back that up today.

Ireland play Pool B opponents Romania in the first game of their campaign at the Stade Matmut Atlantique on Saturday, September 9th.