1
Ireland dealt another Six Nations blow with crucial injury
By Tom Webber
Sean O'Brien underwent minor surgery on his hip and will miss the start of Ireland's Six Nations campaign.
Leinster flanker O'Brien has not played since the 22-17 European Champions Cup victory over Exeter Chiefs on December 16 due to tightness in his pelvis.
The British and Irish Lion struggled to overcome the issue and consequently went under the knife. He is not expected to be available until after Ireland get their Six Nations campaign underway against France on February 3.
It is another blow for Ireland, who will also be without Leinster centre Garry Ringrose for their opening matches as his injury problems continued with an ankle issue sustained at the weekend.
A Leinster statement read: "Sean O'Brien saw a specialist this week for the tightness in his hip as it hadn't responded to treatment as we would have liked.
"As a result he had a small procedure and the target is to have O'Brien back available during the Six Nations window."
Leinster could clinch their place in the European Champions Cup quarter-finals by defeating Glasgow Warriors at the RDS Arena on Sunday.
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Leinster player ratings vs Munster | 2024/25 URC
3
Jamal Ford-Robinson: 'In the gym we’re not lifting as frequently'
4
Nemani Nadolo: 'Now I cut grass, do gardens, cut hedges for a living'
5
Latest Comments
Yet Ethan Blackadder was one of our best against the World Champion Springbok. When he came back to the Crusaders later in the season , he made a huge difference, ( a long with others like Codie Taylor), we nearly made the Play Off's. Ethan has plenty of rugby left in him. His family , Dad Todd Blackadder must be very [proud of him. Todd Blackadder was a 3 time champion captain of the Crusaders, '98, '99 and 2000.An icon in this area. Also twice captain of Canterbury , '97 and 2001 when we won the NPC and Ranfurly Shield winning captain in 2000.
Go to commentsIt's the same criticism of Dmac and Mo'unga as well. Sadly the way the game has been heading recently it's the only way to break down a defence, and a player of Lawrences nature would have a very limited chance at doing that because he's too one dimensional.
Noah Lolesio is your sort of player and that worked OK, but only because his team is far more creative than Englands for example. The highly organized Irish attack was also another that didn't require much from the 10, but that is now changing with Prendergast who is in that league mold like the most new age 10's.
So it is in fact your two which would require even more change to make the most of than Marcus Smith.
Go to comments