Mike Catt keeping watchful eye on Tadhg Furlong

Tadhg Furlong during Leinster squad training at Energia Park in Dublin. Picture: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Tadhg Furlong will return for his first action in 49 weeks when he starts for Leinster at Guinness PRO14 rivals Scarlets today, with the Ireland management paying close attention to their prized tighthead prop ahead of a Six Nations trip to Wales in eight days’ time.

The Lions front-rower has not played since Ireland’s loss at Twickenham on February 23 — the first lockdown, a back spasm, and then a calf injury conspiring against the 28-year-old since.