Connacht’s Front Row Options Boosted For Cardiff Game

Ahead of next Friday’s GUINNESS PRO12 round 9 game at home to Cardiff Blues, the Connacht Rugby medical team have provided the following update.

Tom McCartney, Denis Buckley, Ronan Loughney, Sean O’Brien, Nepia Fox-Matamua, John Cooney and Matt Healy have all returned to full training and will be monitored closely ahead of team selection.

In other injury news for the province, Ivan Soroka (foot) is continuing his rehabilitation under the supervision of the medical and fitness team and is due to return to play in mid-January.

Andrew Browne (ankle) sustained during the defeat to the Newport Gwent Dragons two weeks ago. He has undergone surgery and is due to return to play in February.

Rory Moloney (concussion) sustained an injury in a club game and is following the graduated return-to-play protocols, while fellow back rower Eoghan Masterson (knee) is progressing well in his rehabilitation with the medical and fitness staff and is due to be available for selection towards end of December.

Shane O’Leary (concussion) sustained an injury in training last week and is following the graduated return-to-play protocols. Eoin Griffin (chest) was injured in a club game two weeks ago and is continuing his rehabilitation under the supervision of the medical and fitness team.

Meanwhile, Josh Rowland (ankle) is progressing well with his rehabilitation and is due for a return to play in January. Darragh Leader should be back the following month as he continues his recovery from surgery on a hand injury.