Blow for Ireland as Strauss to miss Six Nations

Richardt Strauss has been ruled out of the Six Nations with an ankle injury.

The South African-born hooker has just returned from a knee problem but now faces an operation to correct an ankle injury and is expected to be out for 10-12 weeks.

But while Strauss was coming to terms with his problem and Ulster’s Roger Wilson is stressing over a hamstring injury that precluded his call up, Munster players were delightedly savouring a reward for the endeavour and inspiration displayed in Thomond Park on Sunday, when Irish coach Declan Kidney added their names to the squad for the Six Nations.

Hours after helping dismantle Racing Metro and securing a place in the quarter-finals of the Heineken Cup, Ian Keatley, James Coughlan, Tommy O’Donnell, Mike Sherry and Damian Varley, joined up with Leinster’s Rhys Ruddock and Kevin McLaughlin at Ireland’s headquarters.

There were clearly mixed feelings in Carton House with both Munster and Ulster players celebrating their achievements while Leinster were coming to terms with the end of an amazing run that yielded three titles in four years.

However, highly-rated Ulster back rower Chris Henry believes it won’t take long for the Leinster pain to disappear. “I suppose there’s mixed feelings at the moment obviously but luckily everyone is talking to each other which is good.

“I suppose it’s part of the challenge now, just putting that to bed quickly.

“I think that’s something that the players discussed, that whenever we come into camp we have to get focused and get prepared as early as possible for these next games.

“I think with the professionalism of the players, it won’t be much talked about and we’ll move forward very, very quickly.”

Henry has his own personal matters to attend to in trying to nail down a spot in the team and heis conscious that there are obstacles to overcome.

“I think there’s so much competition and it’s about making sure you give yourself the best opportunity.

“If it comes, to be prepared to play as well as you can. At the moment there’s a great work ethic among this squad of players, and for me it’s just preparing for it if the opportunity comes.”