After more than two months in camp, it is time for Ireland to say goodbye to their Kildare training base and make the short journey across the Irish Sea.
The World Cup campaign kicks off on Saturday afternoon against Canada in the Millennium Stadium, but before Wednesday’s flight to Cardiff, Joe Schmidt’s men got in one final training session at Carton House.
There was a hug from fan Jennifer Malone for Cian Healy, after the loosehead prop was Monday given the all clear to play following a persistent nerve problem had prevented him from taking any part in Ireland’s four warm-up games.
Ireland travel with great optimism despite defeats in their final two matches, against Wales and England, but with no major injury concerns head coach Schmidt will hope his key performers like Johnny Sexton will hit top form in time for Italy and France, following favourable lead-in fixtures against Canada and Romania.
Since convening in Carton House at the end of June, Schmidt has had more access to players, such as Luke Fitzgerald, than at any other time during his two years in charge of Ireland.
The squad looked relaxed ahead of their departure for Wales, with Munster duo Simon Zebo and Peter O’Mahony enjoying a final hit-out in Kildare.
Following their travel day, Thursday’s training session will be held at Cardiff’s Sophia Gardens, before Friday’s captain’s run in the Millennium Stadium.
After a pretty settled existence in Kildare, Jared Payne and Co will have to get used to a more transient existence, with four different training grounds over the next month. Following Sophia Gardens, they will use the English FA’s St George’s Park ahead of the Romania clash, Surrey Sports Park before Italy and Newport High School in run-up to France Test.
