Ireland fully loaded as quartet get green light for England showdown
Ireland physio Einar Einarsson alongside full-back Hugo Keenan.
Ireland have been boosted by the news that Garry Ringrose, Hugo Keenan, Iain Henderson and Oli Jager are in contention for their Six Nations clash with England.
The quartet have all trained with the squad on Tuesday after differing periods out of action.
Leinster outside centre Ringrose is yet to play in this year’s championship because of a shoulder issue, with Robbie Henshaw having worn the number 13 jersey thus far.
Quartet all trained
Outstanding full-back Keenan and second-rower Henderson missed the round three victory over Wales in Dublin due to a knee injury and a dislocated toe, respectively.
Meanwhile, Munster tighthead prop Jager made his Test bow as a replacement in that 31-7 win at the Aviva Stadium on February 24 before sustaining a knee issue.
Ireland, who take on England at Twickenham before hosting Scotland a week later, reported a clean bill of health ahead of a more physical session on Wednesday.
“We were all on the field today, it was great,” scrum coach John Fogarty told reporters.
“Garry and Hugo, Hendy, all trained today, Oli as well.
“So, yeah, it’s such an important day for us to be on the field. A healthy squad training today is important for selection, and it was great they were all on the field.”
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There was plenty made of the impending absence of Keenan ahead of their recent fixture with Wales, but his replacement, Ciaran Frawley, filled in admirably at 15.
Fogerty was asked about the progress of Ireland’s star full-back as the side looks to make it four victories out of four in the Six Nations and offered a positive update.
“Well, he trained today,” he said.
“Again, they are on the road to recovery, training on the field today live was important for them. We’ll see how they got through the session.
“We’ve another session tomorrow, which is the most physical session of the week where we’ll properly test our plan and the players so we’ll see how he gets through tomorrow and then Andy will select his side.
Full contact tomorrow
“(Today) it’s full speed, there’s no huge contact in it, it’s kind of a coaching day.
“Monday is forming a plan, Tuesday we put it on the field and we’ll see the timings of our launch plays and how our defence works, and tomorrow we’ll test that full contact.
“We want to get as live as possible, ready for what’s going to be a huge test in Twickenham.”
