MARMION TO SHARPEN UP

KIERAN MARMION is set to play for Connacht this weekend in order to rack up more game-time ahead of Ireland’s home autumn internationals.

The 26-year old has only played 225 minutes this season across six games and has been released to his province this week while the bulk of the squad headed to Chicago. Marmion, who won the last of his 22 caps against Australia in the summer, is in line for only his sixth Irish start against Argentina on Saturday week.

And with Joe Schmidt anxious for the scrum-half (inset) to be in prime condition after an ankle injury, Marmion is available for Saturday’s home clash against the Dragons.