Furlong gets Six Nations hope
TADHG FURLONG may yet return in time for Ireland’s forthcoming Six Nations campaign despite being ruled out of Saturday’s crunch PRO14 derby between Munster and Leinster.
Blues scrum coach Robin McBryde hinted that the Lions tighthead could end an 11-month absence against Scarlets on Saturday week, eight days before Ireland open their campaign against Wales in Cardiff.
Furlong has not played since Ireland’s heavy defeat to England on February 23 last. Initially, he was ruled out with a back injury but then he pulled his calf before rugby’s resumption and Leinster have ruled him out of their trip to Limerick.
“It would be great if he could because that would allow him just to chuck his hat in the ring from a national perspective as well with the Six Nations around the corner,” McBryde said of the Scarlets game.
“He is close, he’s taken a full part in unit (training). He’s just ticking off a couple of boxes to go.”
“The next couple of weeks, definitely, I’d be disappointed if we don’t see his name on the team-sheet,” said McBryde.
Injuries aside, both teams will be at full strength. Leinster hope to have Garry Ringrose and James Lowe available if they come through training this week, while Seán Cronin and Ciarán Frawley are in contention after overcoming knee and hamstring issues.
Munster have been handed a major boost as Dave Kilcoyne has returned to training and is set to be available for selection.
The Ireland loosehead has endured an injury-hit season and having recovered from an ankle injury, which saw him miss most of the season, Kilcoyne picked up a calf knock and missed the recent win over Connacht.
Jack O’Donoghue was also ruled out of that game, but the back-row has overcome a leg injury, and is back in training to further boost Johann van Graan’s options.
Jean Kleyn has completed his return-to-play protocols, while Mike Haley is due to complete the same protocols today before getting the green light to return to training.
Apart from Keynan Knox (knee), Matt Gallagher (shoulder), RG Snyman (knee), Neil Cronin (knee) and Joey Carbery (ankle), Munster are set to have a strong hand to choose from.