
Football
Share
Published 14:08 15 Sept 2015 BST
Updated 15:23 18 Sept 2015 BST
Explore more on these topics:
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.
Joe Schmidt set for role with Irish province
The prodigal son returns! Joe Schmidt will be returning to Irish rugby for the first time since stepping down as head coach of Ireland after the 2019 World Cup. The Australian newspaper have reported that he will take on a consultancy role with Ulster for pre-season. The Richie Muprhy coached province made big strides last […]
Football
1 month ago
All Blacks legend accuses Irish star of sneaky cheating during defeat
He has a point… There was a lot of anger from Irish fans following the the rugby team’s defeat to New Zealand last weekend. The officials got two big calls wrong, which could have had a big bearing on the outcome, despite the availability of video replays. However, New Zealand media have hit back through […]
Football
1 month ago
Football
Simon Zebo has dig at Peter O’Mahony over Ronan O’Gara rumours
Football