Sexton to be fully fit for Italy clash

Ireland captain Johnny Sexton will be available for selection ahead of Round 3 of the 2022 Six Nations, as confirmed by head coach Andy Farrell. 

Sexton withdrew from contention in the lead-up to the France vs Ireland clash in Round 2 and has been recovering from a hamstring strain, but reports indicate that he has responded well to rehab and should be ready for action by the time the Italy fixture rolls around. 

All good. He (Sexton) is going through his protocols, he joined in training yesterday,” Farrell said. 

“He is going through the end stages of rehab and we expect him to be fully fit next week.” 

Farrell will face an interesting selection puzzle as Joey Carbery performed admirably in Sexton’s stead against France. It could be argued that the Italian fixture – which Ireland are expected to come through without much difficulty – could be an opportunity to build Carbery’s confidence further while giving Sexton some extra rest. 

“We will leave that (selection) to see how things unfold. But the experience was great for him (Carbery). The feedback from that experience has been great for him. Today we trained against the U20s and he put a few of those bits that we talked about onto the field today. It stands him in good stead doesn’t it, to push on with his career.” 

 Meanwhile, hooker Ronan Kelleher received bad news by being ruled out of the remainder of the tournament due to a shoulder injury picked up against France. 

“It’s disappointing for Rónan and for us,” Farrell said. 

He has kicked off his international career with a bang. The more experience he keeps getting at this level, the better he’s going to become. How Rónan deals with that injury as a young professional is going to help him down the track as well. 

“Obviously him being out of the Six Nations will give other lads an opportunity to step forward.”