Wednesday Round-Up

Manu return: Leicester Tigers head coach Richard Cockerill has today confirmed that he expects rampaging centre Manu Tuilagi to make his return to the game by the close of the current month. Well on the way to fully recovering from a troublesome groin injury which kept him out of the entirety of the November International Series with England, Tuilagi’s update will come as welcome news to England boss Stuart Lancaster, as he looks to lay down some preparations ahead of the Six Nations opener against Wales in February. 23 year old Tuilagi is undoubtedly England’s finest option in the 13 jersey and would arguably make many a World XV when fully fit. Should he return to near his fighting fit best, Lancaster and England fans alike will be hoping he is the answer to their current midfield problems. Next on the list; find an effective 12 to partner him in the centre.

Ban for O’Callaghan: Munster stalwart Donncha O’Callaghan has been handed a two week ban for kicking out at Stuart Olding in the recent interprovincial derby clash between Munster and Ulster at Thomond Park. Having been cited for his involvement in the incident which occurred early on in the second half of the game, the presiding disciplinary committee came to the conclusion that the British and Irish Lion had committed an act of foul play at the lower end of the scale. By making contact with the shoulder and chest region of Olding’s body, O’Callaghan saved himself a more lengthy spell on the sidelines. After considering all the mitigating factors, including the lock’s unblemished record and time within the game, the original four week suspension was reduced to a two week enforced absence from the game, meaning O’Callaghan won’t see any action until beyond Sunday the 14th of December.

Ryan Sheady