Ireland Begin Build-Up To Final Round Showdown With Wales

The Ireland squad were back training in the gym and on the pitch today as they build towards Saturday’s mouth-watering Guinness Six Nations final round clash with Wales in Cardiff (kick-off 2.45pm). Josh van der Flier’s groin injury rules him out of the match, with returning flanker Dan Leavy called up in his place.

Speaking to the media at Carton House, Ireland scrum coach Greg Feek said: “Josh is withdrawn this week due to a groin injury. Rob (Kearney) (calf) and Joey Carbery (hamstring), we’ll see how they go this afternoon. They’re getting their boots on and we’ll have a light runaround. At the moment they’re ready to rock and roll.

“Tadhg Beirne is looking pretty good as well – he’s got his hand up for selection and he’ll train again today. Dan Leavy’s in the group as well, so he’ll train with us fully. Ross Byrne has been let go (from the squad) for now.

“We got him (Leavy) in to make sure he’s all good (after his calf problem). He’s been in the squad before and it’s just to see how things go with him this afternoon and the other guys as well. The short turnaround is what it is, it doesn’t affect our preparation. We’ve done it before and we’ll see how today goes. Make sure we get those crucial boxes ticked.”