Sean O’Brien closing on return as Ireland get back to business

Sean O’Brien took an encouraging step closer to an Ireland return yesterday as Joe Schmidt’s squad began their final preparations for Saturday’s RBS 6 Nations showdown in France.

Back-row powerhouse O’Brien was withdrawn from firing line for last Sunday’s opener at home to Wales, having developed tightness in a hamstring during the previous week’s training. And despite Tommy O’Donnell’s impressive performance at openside flanker as the Munster man deputised for the Ireland frontliner, O’Brien’s return will be a significant boost ahead of the trip to Paris.

He trained fully yesterday, completing Ireland’s first workout since the 16-16 draw with Wales during a session which saw fellow absentee from last weekend Rob Kearney continue his recovery from a similar strain. Johnny Sexton (shoulder), Andrew Trimble (shoulder) and Simon Zebo (knee) all sat out training as did Keith Earls who is completing his return to play protocols following a concussive impact late on in the drawn game but assistant coach Richie Murphy said none had been ruled out of the race for selection.