Things look up on the fitness front

THERE was positive news for Ireland on the fitness front as the World Cup squad took part in their first training session in New Zealand yesterday.

All but Rob Kearney of the 28-player contingent that landed on the South Island on Thursday took part in the light workout at the picturesque Queenstown Events Centre, set against the backdrop of the snow-capped Remarkables mountain range. Even full-back Kearney, who sustained a groin strain during the first match against France in Bordeaux three weeks ago, did not miss out completely, while the Ireland management confirmed that Cian Healy and Gordon D’Arcy will leave Dublin today and arrive in Queenstown on Monday having had their departures delayed due to injury.

“Rob Kearney did his own work, running around with physios and stuff like that, but you didn’t want him to be twisting and turning too much, particularly after the flight,” Ireland coach Declan Kidney said. “With the flight, you need to get a bit of exercise under the belt but we were trying to hold them back this morning, they’re still going at full throttle because they are competitive and that can lead to unnecessary soft tissue injuries, so the risk management of that was don’t do anything strained.”