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The Leinster injury update that has boosted Ireland's Six Nations
By Liam Heagney
James Lowe and Dan Sheehan could potentially make their comeback from injury this weekend for Leinster and prove their fitness just in time for the start of Ireland’s preparations for their Guinness Six Nations title defence.
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Interim head coach Simon Easterby, who is filling in for the sabbatical-taking British and Irish Lions boss Andy Farrell, is due to name his squad this Wednesday for next week’s warm-weather camp in Portugal leading into the February 1 Dublin clash with England.
Winger Lowe hasn’t played any rugby since Ireland’s November 30 win over Australia, a calf injury sidelining him from Leinster’s winter schedule. Hooker Sheehan, meanwhile, has been absent for way longer as he did his ACL in the first half of Ireland’s July 6 tour loss to South Africa in Pretoria.
However, with Leinster fresh from their latest captivating win over La Rochelle in the Investec Champions Cup, a medical bulletin update ahead of Saturday’s pool closer at home to Bath will delight Easterby and co ahead of the attempt to win a third Six Nations title in succession.
A statement read: “James Lowe and Dan Sheehan are due to step up their rehabilitation further this week and will be further assessed as the week progresses before a final decision is made on availability.”
Easterby was already boosted last Sunday by the sight of Tadhg Furlong, who missed the entire Autumn Nations Series, coming through unscathed in his comeback game in France. The tighthead hadn’t played for Leinster since October 12 due to a hamstring problem.
Jack Conan and Ciaran Frawley also came through the game at La Rochelle without any issues following their recent knocks, but the latest update on some other international players is mixed.
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“Jordan Larmour picked up a hamstring injury at training last week and will be unavailable for selection this week. Tommy O’Brien was ruled out of the starting XV last week as a precaution and will be further assessed this week before a final decision is made on availability.”
