Roux set to step up for Ireland

Quinn Roux was not included in Ireland’s Six Nations squad when coach Joe Schmidt announced his initial 38-man selection in January, but the Connacht lock is now set to assume a pivotal role in their must-win encounter with Scotland on Saturday.

Called into the group after injuries to Iain Henderson and Tadhg Beirne, the Pretoria-born Roux, 28, has moved further up the pecking order after Devin Toner was ruled out with an ankle injury in their opening round defeat by England in Dublin last weekend.

Connacht’s Ultan Dillane is also part of the Irish squad but Roux remains the favourite to make his first Six Nations start after a third championship appearance off the bench against England.

“Quinn has really stepped up in terms of calling the lineouts, leading the team and on the field, he’s slotting in when he’s had to pretty well,” Ireland scrum coach Greg Feek told reporters.

“Quinn did really well at the weekend; he came on and put a couple of big hits in. He’s been leading the lineout in Connacht this year, he’s really progressed there and matured as a player.

“He’s good in the scrum and mauling. As a tight forward he ticks a lot of the boxes. Luckily for us, we have good depth there at the moment.” /