Henshaws six nations injury fears ease

FEARS that an injury sustained by Ireland rugby international Robbie Henshaw last weekend might curtail his involvement in the opening rounds of the upcoming Six Nations Championship have been allayed.

In the build-up to Connacht’s next outing, away to La Rochelle this Saturday (6.30pm), Connacht Rugby included small details of Henshaw’s injury in a pre-match press release.

The press release said that Henshaw 'sustained a low-grade ankle sprain during the game (a 24-33 defeat to Exeter Chiefs last Sunday)'.

‘The Ireland international will not recover in time for this week’s game in France,’ the press release added.

Ireland’s Six Nations campaign is due to begin against Italy in Rome on February 7, with Henshaw expected to be included in the starting line-up following impressive performances in the Autumn International Series.

Meanwhile, centre Dave McSharry took a knock to the head shortly before half-time against Exeter and did not return to the field after failing to pass the pitch-side concussion test. The 24 year-old centre will continue to observe the return-to-play protocol, and will be monitored ahead of team selection later in the week.

Out-half Craig Ronaldson, who was forced to withdraw on Sunday just before kick-off after straining his quad muscle in the warm-up, is expected to be out of action for two or three weeks.

In better news, Tiernan O’Halloran and Jake Heenan have both returned to full training after recovering from long-term injuries. The duo are expected to be involved in the Connacht Eagles game with Germany at the Sportsground on Saturday (2.30pm).

Following his successful return to action for the Eagles last week, tight-head prop Nathan White is also fit and available to head coach Pat Lam this week.