Ireland boosted as FIVE key men set to return for pivotal Six Nations finale
Ireland prop Tadhg Furlong is one of five players set to return to the Ireland squad this weekend
Ireland attack coach Andrew Goodman has confirmed that star quintet Tadhg Furlong, Ronan Kelleher, Mack Hansen, James Lowe and Garry Ringrose are likely to be available for selection for their final Six Nations Test against Italy.
The men in green head to Rome after a disappointing defeat to France, which ended their hopes of a Grand Slam, but could still win the title if both Wales and Scotland do them a favour against England and France respectively this weekend.
Ireland set to be boosted by return of crucial quintet
Tighthead prop Furlong has not featured for Ireland since their summer tour of South Africa due to a calf injury, and has only made three appearances for Leinster in the 2024/25 season thus far, but could be in line to make his Test return this weekend.
“He’s (Furlong) available to play,” said Goodman. “It’s been a tough period for him, but with his history of injuries, we had to make sure he’s right (to return).”
There were rumours the 32-year-old would be fit for their previous clash against France, but Goodman revealed they took the more conservative route to prevent further setbacks.
“We didn’t want to get him back in and have another setback,” he said. “We’ve been cautious with this one to make sure that he’s 100% right. He can come back in and feel confident.”
Elsewhere in the front-row, hooker Kelleher could also be set to return to the matchday squad after overcoming a neck issue. The Leinsterman had started against England and Scotland, but Dan Sheehan has now come back into the number two jersey since.
Kelleher will also likely be joined by winger Lowe, who pulled out of the France Test after a back spasm in the warm-up.
Commenting on the pair, Goodman said: “They were both out there on the field today. They’re both making good progress.”
Goodman also confirmed fellow winger Hansen was ‘available’ as well, following a knock.
Rounding off the returnees, centre Ringrose will also be available to Simon Easterby following his return from suspension. The back copped a three-game ban – reduced to two if he took part in tackle school – following his red card against Wales in round three, but that ban also controversially included Leinster’s clash with Cardiff during the fallow week.
