James Lowe's timing proves immaculate as Six Nations looms

If the disappointment of last year’s thwarted tilt at the Webb Ellis still lingers with Lowe, then the prospect of a Friday night Six Nations opener should shift it.

SMILING RETURNEE: James Lowe of Leinster dives over to score his side's first try during the Investec Champions Cup Pool 4 Round 3 match between against Stade Francais. Pic: Harry Murphy, Sportsfile

Players can eat, sleep and train like a true pro. They can avoid alcohol, skip family get-togethers and put in that extra 20 minutes in at the gym or in front of a screen, but there is ultimately no way of knowing when or how injury and a stint on the sidelines will strike.

If there is no ideal time to be restricted to sick bay then some parts of the calendar are preferable to others. An injury at the back end of a season that requires minor work and a rehab done in time for pre-season is about as good as bad gets.