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.

There is better news for the province, and for Ireland, ahead of Leinster’s Champions Cup games against La Rochelle and Bath this month and a Six Nations opener against England at the start of February.

Hugo Keenan, who has also been absent since that Wallaby game with a wrist issue, is on track to be available for the trip to Stade Marcel Deflandre this weekend having returned to the training paddock.

Ciaran Frawley, Jack Conan, Thomas Clarkson and Max Deegan have also been added to Leo Cullen’s arsenal now that they are also available for selection as things stand while Tadhg Furlong has not yet been ruled out.

“It’s a great time of year to get more bodies back on the pitch,” said Bleyendaal. “It just fuels that competition for places and it is great to have those selection headaches.” 

Furlong’s well-being is less clear having been absent since a Leinster trip to Benetton back in October. Countless injury updates have since said that he is near to a return but he is back training after that hamstring complaint and will be assessed further in the coming days.

Bleyendaal was slow to give any timelines when asked if Furlong might be fit to contribute in France in the coming days but did say that there was a confidence that the Wexford man would be ready for Ireland duties come next month.

Furlong’s importance to Ireland is well documented but that is now all the more acute with another tighthead, Ulster Tom O’Toole, suspended for the opening Championship fixtures at home to England and away to Scotland.

“It is my understanding that he is working back to a timeline around then. We obviously want him playing for Leinster and that’s his goal in the meantime, to try and get on the field before the Six Nations period but we’re not rushing him, putting pressure on him.

“He’s out on the field now so that is the next step in his progress.” 

Jamie Osborne, Jordan Larmour and Tommy O’Brien came through the win over Munster with no issue and will be available again at the weekend.

Dan Sheehan is also back training. The hooker has not played this season having torn an ACL in South Africa last summer.