Search icon

Rugby

24th Oct 2015

Provincial coaches deliver better than expected news on Johnny Sexton and Tommy Bowe

November return

Patrick McCarry

The Irish out-half was ‘floating around’ Leinster’s UCD training facilities, according to Leo Cullen.

In the past two weeks, the Irish nation quickly learned just what an adductor was and how much of a pain in the groin, and ass, it can be.

Johnny Sexton was forced out of Ireland’s World Cup quarter final with Argentina when the muscle around Sexton’s groin tightened up, following the team’s training session at the Millennium Stadium.

Joe Schmidt, speaking on Friday night’s Late Late Show, reasoned that he withdrew Sexton from his squad as he was unsure how long the 30-year-old would have lasted against the Argentines.

With Ireland assistant coach Simon Easterby declaring that no other injury – such as concussion – had kept Sexton out of the mix, Leinster fans are on adductor watch.

However, they may not have to wait too long for his second coming at the Blues for too long.

Cullen told reporters, after his side’s 23-18 win over Glasgow Warriors, that he expected Sexton to feature sooner rather than later. All Irish players that featured heavily in the World Cup were given a week off after their exertions.

While the likes of Jamie Heaslip, Robbie Henshaw and Jordi Murphy headed to the United States, Sexton headed home to his family, in Dublin, and continued with his rehab.

Leinster play Treviso at Stadio Mongio next Sunday and Sexton is in with a chance of featuring. It may be more realistic to see him feature in the home fixture against Scarlets on Friday, November 6.

2015 Rugby World Cup Quarter-Final, Millenium Stadium, Cardiff, Wales 18/10/2015 Ireland vs Argentina Ireland's Tommy Bowe down injured Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Meanwhile, Ulster coach Neil Doak gave an update on Tommy Bowe that was more hopeful than expectant.

Doak told Belfast Newsletter, “The [surgeons] definitely know there is a little bit of cartilage damage, but there may be a couple of other bits and pieces that may be found once they have a look around [on Monday].

“We expect Tommy to be out for at least two months.”

It was initially feared that Bowe would be out for six to nine months and that he would definitely miss the 2016 Six Nations. Monday’s operation, and the days that follow it, should tell us more.

The FootballJOE quiz: Were you paying attention? – episode 10