The Connacht squad returned to training at the Sportsground in Galway yesterday following Saturday’s opening day win over Newport Gwent Dragons.
There were some sore bodies after the physical encounter with captain John Muldoon (tight hamstring) and Quinn Roux (dead leg) sitting out training yesterday. Both forwards are expected to run today, Tuesday, and will be available for selection ahead of round 2 away to Edinburgh on Friday.
Following surgery on his shoulder last February, New Zealand born flanker Jake Heenan returned to competitive action on Saturday but left the field on 78 minutes after an impressive display. The 22-year-old aggravated the shoulder in the dying minutes of the game and awaits further tests to determine the scale of the damage.
Meanwhile, backs Shane O’Leary and Matt Healy both returned to full training this week. O’Leary, who missed out on round 1 due to a dead leg, is expected to be available to Pat Lam this week while Healy, recovering from a hand fracture, has another week or two to go until he is fit to play.
Ireland internationals Kieran Marmion and Robbie Henshaw are both available to play on Friday night at BT Murrayfield.
Scrum half John Cooney, on loan from Leinster Rugby, arrived in Galway yesterday. The 24-year-old Dubliner is match fit, having played club rugby at the weekend for Terenure RFC.
The Connacht team to face Edinburgh will be announced at noon on Thursday September 11th.
Edinburgh v Connacht
Friday September 12th
At BT Murrayfield, 7:35pm
Live on BBCAlba / TG4