Leinster and Ireland hooker Dan Sheehan is progressing well in his recovery from a knee injury and is hopeful of making a return to action early in the new year. The 26-year-old sustained a torn ACL during Ireland’s first Test loss to South Africa in July, but he remains optimistic about returning to the field within the Six Nations window.
Sheehan spoke about his recovery timeline, saying, “Hopefully into the new year. It might take a month or two, but that’s what I’m sort of aiming at.” However, he stressed the importance of not rushing his return, adding, “I’ve been conscious not to put a timeframe on it, because then it would be tempting to rush back. It’s very much a week-to-week thing.”
The hooker is focusing on his recovery with the help of his physio, Emma Galvin, and is pleased with the progress so far. “The knee is coming along very nicely. I haven’t had one setback yet, so hopefully in the new year I can get kicking,” Sheehan said. He acknowledged the temptation to return quickly but reiterated that he would only come back when fully fit, stating, “I’ll make sure I’m 100% right, and that’s when I’ll go back.”
This is Sheehan’s first major injury, having been a key player for both Leinster and Ireland since making his debut in late 2021. His rapid rise to the top of his game has been remarkable. After making just five appearances for Leinster, Sheehan was called up to the Irish squad in November 2021, and by mid-2022, he had established himself as first choice for both club and country. His exceptional form led to a nomination for World Rugby’s Breakthrough Player of the Year in 2022.
Reflecting on his recovery journey, Sheehan said that the injury has given him time to reflect and improve. “It’s nice to have a period of time to reflect back, analyse the last couple of years, see areas you can improve on, and give the body a bit of a rest,” he noted.
Off the pitch, Sheehan has also taken on charity work with GOAL, helping with campaigns such as Jersey Day and the upcoming GOAL Mile event at Christmas. He acknowledged that balancing charity work with playing rugby is challenging but has enjoyed the opportunity during his time off.
While Sheehan was able to get a head start on his rehab before the new season, the reality of missing key games, particularly during the Autumn Nations Series, hit hard. “The last couple of weeks have been tough, watching the lads play big games and international matches,” he admitted. However, he has kept busy with rehab and supporting his Leinster teammates, ensuring that his mind remains focused during his recovery.
