IRELAND FORWARD'S COACH PAUL O'CONNELL has given fresh updates about Ireland's injury situation, and it looks like good news for the likes of James Lowe and Gary Ringrose.
The Leinster pair both have picked up calf injuries in this year's Six Nations and have had to go through their own respective rehab programme's ahead of the Scotland game on March 12.
Ringrose sat out the Italy game last week, while Lowe was taken off close to the end of the game.
O'Connell speaking the media on Thursday admitted that he expected the Leinster pair to be fit for Ireland's game in Murrayfield in two weeks.
"That's the plan at the moment," said O'Connell.
"I think his calf (Lowe) was sore after the game a little bit, so they just wanted to look after him this week, given his history.
"Garry didn't train today but from what we believe he’s going to be fine. Garry nearly played last week but pulled out on Friday morning with his calf.
"Listen, he’s very important. I suppose everyone talks about doing their role and doing their role well. Some players are able to do their own role really well and help other people do theirs really well as well, and Garry is one of those guys."
Ireland's midfield could yet be in good nick by the time the Scotland game comes around. #SCOvIRE #SixNations2023 https://t.co/PkJ6YedbmS
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) March 2, 2023
In a more positive outlook for Ireland the likes of Tadhg Furlong, Jamison Gibson-Park Robbie Henshaw, and captain Johnny Sexton will finally return to the Ireland setup after missing the opening three games in the Six Nations.
"They're all very good players, they obviously have a lot of IP in terms of how they play the game, but they make the group feel good as well with that kind of experience," O'Connell quipped.
"They speak very well; they generally have a lot of logic to add whenever we have problems to solve. So, it’s been brilliant to go these three games unbeaten without some of those guys, and for them to come back in now hungry, with a bit of a different voice and a different perspective as well."
Ireland's game against Scotland starts at 3pm on Sunday March 12.
Before that the United Rugby Championship returns this weekend.
All four Irish provinces will be in action.
See More: Ireland, Paul O'Connell, Rugby, Six Nations
