James Lowe in race to make start of the Six Nations

There is some good news for Leinster and Ireland with Hugo Keenan likely to be available for the province's Champions Cup clash with La Rochelle this weekend. Keenan had been on the sidelines due to a wrist injury. 

IN DOUBT: James Lowe of Ireland is tackled by Andrew Kellaway of Australia during the Autumn Nations Series at the Aviva Stadium. Picture: John Dickson/Sportsfile

James Lowe’s availability for the start of the Six Nations is at risk with Leinster confirming that the winger is still “weeks” off returning to full fitness from the calf problem that has trailed him from November.

The 32-year-old Lowe hasn’t played since finishing the 80 minutes of Ireland’s most recent Test, against Australia, and Leinster attack coach Tyler Bleyendaal has explained that the player still isn’t training with the team.