Ringrose Joins Henshaw On Sidelines After Shoulder Operation

Garry Ringrose has joined his Leinster and Ireland centre partner Robbie Henshaw on the injury list following an operation on his shoulder last week.

Robbie Henshaw’s British & Irish Lions tour ended prematurely with a torn pectoral muscle sustained during their final midweek match – the 31-all draw with the Hurricanes in Wellington on June 27.

He underwent surgery on his return to Ireland, and the Lions head of medicine, Dr. Eanna Falvey, confirmed at the time: “That was a pretty significant injury, he’s completely avulsed the muscle from the bone which requires to be re-attached to the bone. That’s usually about a 16-week recovery. He may do slightly better, but that’s probably what we’re looking at.”

In a double blow for Leinster and Ireland, news has come through today that Garry Ringrose also had surgery done last Monday. A statement from Leinster Rugby said: “Garry’s operation to address an ongoing shoulder issue was successful but he will be out for four to five months, depending on his rehabilitation.”

That leaves Leinster without their first choice centres for the first couple of months of the new season, while it remains to be seen what level of involvement they could have in Ireland’s GUINNESS Series games in November – the series opener against South Africa is just under 18 weeks away.

Henshaw has enjoyed some big career highlights in the last 14 months, lifting the GUINNESS PRO12 trophy with Connacht, winning with Ireland on South African soil and scoring that unforgettable match-winning try against New Zealand in Chicago.

The 24-year-old’s impressive form during his first season at Leinster, coupled with some strong performances during the Six Nations, earned him a spot in the Lions squad to tour New Zealand but he was unable to force his way into the Test team.

“The injury isn’t as bad as it sounds,” Henshaw told RTE 2fm’s ‘Game On’. “It could have been worse, I could have dislocated my shoulder and that would have been a six-monther. Speaking to a few of the guys in the (Lions) squad – Jonathan Joseph has torn both of his, Jon Davies has torn his – there’s a couple of guys who’ve done it, so it’s a pretty common injury to have.

“It was pretty innocuous when it happened. I was just over extending, in a wrap tackle…something in games that I’d do a lot. Just from the side and my arm was extended, I was in a vulnerable position and I just snapped it there and then. I knew straight away something wasn’t right. Eanna Falvey came on and tested my power and I had completely nothing. In my head I knew my tour was done.

“The surgeon was really happy with how the operation went. Speaking to him afterwards, he said it’s usually 12 to 16 weeks (for recovery), but I’d be confident enough hopefully that I could get back within 12, please God.”

Henshaw’s 22-year-old team-mate Ringrose narrowly missed out on a tour place with the Lions, but he finished a very impressive year by playing a leading role on tour with Ireland last month. He ended his maiden international season with four tries, including two in two Tests against Japan, while he touched down seven times for Leinster – including that superb solo try in the Champions Cup semi-final against Clermont Auvergne.