Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
No Thorny issue for Connacht
CONNACHT are confident Gavin Thornbury will shake off a head knock in time to face his native Leinster tomorrow.
Last weekend the Dubliner left the field with a HIA during Connacht’s bonus point win away to Perpignan, but he passed the test and is desperate to play in the derby.
The 25-year-old lock has played 21 times for his adopted province and scored his first try against Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on 1 December.
“It’s nice being back playing rugby. The squad is in a good place,” said Thornbury.
“We had two good wins in South Africa, added to the win against Dragons here and then against Perpignan.
“We are trying to continue that momentum and it’s a good place to be at the moment.”
Back in the autumn, Thornbury was called into Irish camp by Joe Schmidt ahead of the November internationals only for a shoulder injury to cost him dearly.
He said: “It was a great experience in Irish camp.
“I went into camp and it was a massive honour and learning experience.
“Delighted to get it, it’s a great place to be.
“I don’t think there is any good time to be injured. It was devastating.
“I am feeling really good now.
“Hopefully that injury is behind me for the rest of the season.
“All I can do is keep playing here.
“This is my focus at the moment, get picked and play well for Connacht.”