Rob Kearney is suffering from “tightness” in his calf, the IRFU have announced this morning.
Reports last night revealed the Leinster full-back has emerged as a doubt for Ireland’s World Cup opener against Scotland, but there is still hope he features on Sunday.
Currently based in Chiba, east of Tokyo, the Ireland team have a down day today, but Kearney will be managed by Ireland staff. They hope to have him back running tomorrow, when the team relocates to Yokohama.
The news on Robbie Henshaw is that he is still unlikely to play this weekend, but the hope is that he returns for the Japan game, which takes place in Shizuoka on September 28.
Meanwhile, Keith Earls was back running yesterday, with Joey Carbery in full training.
Ciaran Ruddock, who is working with the Ireland strength and conditioning team, is not worried about the type of injuries being suffered by Irish players.
“You never want to see anyone getting injured when you’re coaching, but there’s not a huge concern at the moment,” he said this morning.
“We’ve put together a really good plan and we think we’re coming together really well. Even if you look at the players that are fit and well coming into the tournament, we’ve put together a really good plan and we’re confident we’ve periodised it very well to allow the guys to be performing at their best now.”
Ciaran was speaking alongside his brother, Rhys, at the Ireland team hotel and says he’s loving the role so far:
“It’s been a brilliant experience. Obviously got the opportunity in November and since then I’ve loved it. It’s awesome, in terms of working with Jason (McGahan). You’ve got a guy there with so much experience, so much knowledge.
“It’s been one of the best educational things I’ve done in my career as a coach, to be able to work with him and learn from him and also to be involved in this environment with so many coaches and to get to work with this calibre of athlete.
“It’s been a really energising and positive environment to be a part of.”
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