Whereas Wales' head coach Wayne Pivac has had to plan without a host of frontline players, the return to full training on Tuesday of Tadhg Furlong, James Ryan and Iain Henderson is set to leave the Ireland squad in a position of apparent rude health ahead of Saturday's 2022 Six Nations opener against Wales at the Aviva Stadium (kick-off 2.15pm).
In a timely boost, Keith Earls, Josh van der Flier (both of whom had unspecified strains) and even Joey Carbery, who hasn't played since sustaining a fractured elbow in Munster's epic Heineken Champions Cup away to Wasps over seven weeks ago, all resumed full training last Friday at the squad's base in Quinta da Lago on the Algarve. The same will now be true of Furlong, Ryan and Henderson.
Furlong sustained a calf injury just five minutes into Leinster’s Heineken Champions Cup victory over Montpellier a fortnight ago, a disconcerting development given his calf problems last season.
Ryan was a late withdrawal the same day due to a minor hamstring injury and hasn’t played since being forced off with concussion in the final Autumn Series win over Argentina, when he was captain.
Akin to Carbery, Henderson hasn’t played since injuring his ankle in Ulster’s win over Northampton seven weeks ago, and had been considered doubtful for the opening round of the Six Nations.
These players were Ireland's biggest concerns prior to the 37-man squad's arrival in Portugal but Monday's IRFU update stated that they are all set to train on Tuesday after having their respective loads managed to this point.
The squad will train in Portugal again on Wednesday prior to their flight home, with the team and replacements for Saturday’s opening game to be announced around lunchtime on Thursday.
Andy Friend, and his coaching team, are building something special in the West and you can see that in the brand of rugby they play
Pivac is also set to name his side that day as well, but by contrast Wales are already without Elliott Dee, Ken Owens, Alun Wyn Jones, Taulupe Faletau, Dan Lydiate, Josh Macleod, Josh Navidi, Justin Tipuric, Johnny Williams, George North and Leigh Halfpenny.
Murphy move
Meanwhile, Connacht and Leinster have confirmed that the latter's versatile back five forward, Josh Murphy, is moving to the western province next season. As reported in The Irish Times last week, the 26-year-old is joining Connacht on a two-year deal.
“At this stage of my career I feel it is time to try and contribute to a new environment and hopefully try and put my hand up to get out on the pitch every week. Playing matches regularly is what I love about this sport,” said Murphy.
“Andy Friend, and his coaching team, are building something special in the West and you can see that in the brand of rugby they play. When the time comes, I’ll look forward to a new chapter and it is one that I am really excited about.”
Welcoming Murphy’s arrival, Friend said: “Josh has all the attributes to be an important Connacht player for the next two seasons. Physically he’s very strong on and off the ball and coupled with an excellent skill set he is a player that very much suits our playing style.
“We’re delighted he’s chosen to come to Connacht and help add to the excellent squad we are already building here.”
The powerful and versatile Murphy will strengthen Friend’s options. Although qualified as a doctor after completing his medical studies last summer, Murphy has stated his desire to focus on rugby for the time being and this move is a signal of that intent.
A number of Premiership clubs had expressed a keen interest in Murphy, but this move could provide an opportunity for him to achieve more game time while maintaining his international ambitions before concentrating on his career in medicine.
