Buckley & McKeon Back Available For Connacht
As attention turns back to the European Challenge Cup and Connacht’s trip to play Brive in round 5 next weekend, the province’s medical team have provided the following injury update.
Following an X-ray on Monday, it was confirmed that second row Andrew Browne suffered an A/C fracture in the opening half of last Sunday’s game against the Scarlets. The Galway man is facing four to six weeks on the sidelines.
Scrum half Kieran Marmion sustained a hip flexor injury during the GUINNESS PRO12 clash in Wales. The 23-year-old will be monitored this week ahead of the team announcement.
Versatile back Craig Ronaldson will also be closely monitored this week, having taken a knock to his right shoulder.
Meanwhile, prop Denis Buckley has been cleared fit and available for selection this week following a positive review with the surgeon who performed his knee operation last month. The 25-year-old has been re-registered to the European squad list, in place of Saba Meunargia from the Academy.
Number 8 Eoin McKeon is also available for selection this week, having returned from the elbow injury sustained in early December. Galway man Darragh Leader has rejoined training this week and is expected to be available for selection in the coming weeks.
Last week’s CT scan showed that Robbie Henshaw’s hand fracture was not fully healed. The surgeon has advised another one to two weeks before the Ireland international returns to match action.
Openside flanker Nepia Fox-Matamua’s surgery last week on his ruptured ACL was successful and the New Zealander is expected to be fit for pre-season in 2016/17.