Sexton in a race against time to prove his fitness for Six Nations

JOHNNY SEXTON will be named as captain of the Ireland squad for the Six Nations this morning but head coach Andy Farrell will be anxiously awaiting news of the No 10’s hamstring injury.

An unhappy Sexton came off during the second half of Leinster’s 13-10 win over Munster at Thomond Park with coach Leo Cullen saying the move was “precautionary”.

Peter O’Mahony should be fit to be involved despite coming off after receiving treatment for neck and leg issues, while Bundee Aki returned from his knee problem with a cameo off the bench for Connacht in their disappointing home defeat to Ospreys yesterday.

Farrell has a decision to make on Tadhg Furlong who has not played since last year’s tournament.

Cullen said the Lion “trained fully” last week. In normal circumstances, he and James Lowe could be handed a chance to prove their fitness against Scarlets this weekend but the need to protect the Covid-19 ‘bubble’ may deny them that chance.

Furlong’s return to fitness means Ireland are in good shape from a personnel perspective, with Garry Ringrose and Dave Kilcoyne returning from injury in Limerick.

Farrell attended Saturday’s match with Paul O’Connell as he assessed the form of the likes of Rhys Ruddock, Gavin Coombes and Luke McGrath, who are pushing for inclusion after missing out on the last international window.

Ireland’s second game is taking on a different complexion after star centre Virimi Vakatawa joined No 8 Gregory Alldritt in being ruled out of the French squad.

Meanwhile, Leinster are increasingly confident of securing a new deal with their backs coach Felipe Contepomi amid rumours the former out-half was set to return to Argentina. Speculation has been mounting that he would make the move to be closer to his family given the restrictions on travel currently in place due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Like all of the provinces, the Blues have been busy trying to get their squad for 2021/’22 in place and despite a reduced budget, pandemic clauses that allow the union to alter terms or even walk away after 12 months if crowds have not returned, and limits on terms.

They are confident they can keep most of those they want to retain, but there will be some departures. Scott Fardy’s future is uncertain, while Devin Toner is another who may have to look elsewhere.