Dan Sheehan’s prospects of featuring for Ireland in the upcoming 2025 Guinness Six Nations have received a significant boost, with the hooker eyeing a return to action for Leinster before the end of the month.
Sheehan has been sidelined since July, when he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during Ireland’s first Test against South Africa in Pretoria. However, Leinster has confirmed that the 26-year-old has ramped up his training this week, putting him in contention to make his comeback.
There is a possibility that Sheehan could feature in Leinster’s upcoming Investec Champions Cup Pool 2 clash against Bath at Aviva Stadium on Saturday. A final decision on his availability will be made later in the week, as the province continues to assess his fitness levels.
Even if Sheehan does not make his return this weekend, his swift recovery places him in a strong position to be included in Ireland’s squad for the Six Nations. Interim head coach Simon Easterby is set to announce the squad for the prestigious tournament tomorrow.
Sheehan is not the only player making positive strides in their recovery. Leinster wing James Lowe, who has been out of action since suffering a calf injury in Ireland’s final Autumn Nations Series victory over Australia in late November, is also nearing a return. Like Sheehan, Lowe has resumed full training, and head coach Leo Cullen will make a final call later in the week regarding his readiness to play on Saturday.
Leinster flanker Will Connors, who has missed the last five games, could also be in line for a return, while several other key players made successful comebacks in Sunday’s narrow 16-14 win against La Rochelle. Prop Tadhg Furlong, back row Jack Conan, and centre Ciarán Frawley all emerged unscathed from the match, having returned from injury.
Meanwhile, Leinster will continue to monitor the fitness of Tommy O’Brien, who was withdrawn from last week’s starting team as a precaution due to injury. Fullback Jordan Larmour has been ruled out for Saturday’s game due to a hamstring issue.
Rugby fans can watch Leinster’s clash with Bath live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player from 4:45 pm on Saturday, with live commentary available on RTÉ Radio 1’s Saturday Sport.
