Henshaw continues recovery as Carty hopes to feature against Clermont

Robbie Henshaw is set to resume full team training towards the end of the month as Connacht continue their preparations for the new rugby season.

Ireland international Robbie Henshaw, who was forced to withdraw from Ireland’s summer tour to Argentina in June due to a hand ligament injury, is progressing well following surgery.

Two months after his ankle reconstruction procedure, Academy graduate Jack Carty has made good progress to resume team training. The young out-half from Barrymore, Athlone travelled to France with a 36-man Connacht squad last Monday and hopes to play a part in the pre-season game with Clermont on Friday, August 8.

The Connacht squad are currently taking part in a rigorous week-long training session in the town of Issoire. The trip will conclude with a game against Top 14 heavyweights Clermont Auvergne on Friday, August 8 as part of the 2014 Challenge Auvergne de Rugby.

There are a small group of players, including Henshaw, who will not take part in these games due to their ongoing rehab schedules.

A number of Connacht Rugby’s senior players are on track to return to action in the coming weeks following different surgical procedures over the summer months.

Gavin Malouf, Head Physiotherapist, provided an update on a number of players which came as good news for Pat Lam and his coaching team five weeks out from the start of the new season.

Having dislocated his shoulder during Connacht’s final home game against Cardiff Blues last season, Jason Harris-Wright had the required reconstruction surgery in May. The 25-year-old hooker, who started 17 games last season, is currently excluded from contact training and his expected ‘return to play’ date is late September.

Ronan Loughney had groin surgery three weeks ago and has resumed running this week. The Galway-born prop is likely to be back in the frame for selection ahead of the pre-season friendly away to Wasps on August 23.

Back row forward Mata Fifita underwent shoulder arthroscopy in May. Rehab is going well for the 25-year-old Tongan who, while currently restricted in terms of contact training, is expected to be available for selection mid-September.

Tighthead prop Nathan White is recovering from minor back surgery he had in early June. Hooker Sean Henry, who underwent neck surgery in March, has been integrated into team training in recent weeks. 

It has been a long road to recovery for New Zealand born flanker Jake Heenan who had shoulder reconstruction surgery back in February. The 22-year-old is now in the final stages of rehab before he resumes full training. He is expected to be available for selection ahead of the Wasps game.

Irish international Kieran Marmion is resting as part of the player welfare programme following the summer tour to Argentina in June.

Sub Academy forward Shane Delahunt has been included as cover for recovering hookers  Harris-Wright and Henry as well as the incoming Tom McCartney. The 20-year-old from Birr, Co. Offaly was capped for Ireland U20s against Scotland in the Six Nations match in Athlone last January. Delahunt is joined by Academy players Caolin Blade and Eoghan Masterson who also provide cover for Pat Lam’s squad.

Henshaw, Loughney, Harris-Wright and Fifita will all continue with their rehab programmes in Galway this week under the watchful eye of Senior Fitness Coach Jim Molony.

Incoming players Mils Muliaina, Bundee Aki, Tom McCartney and John Cooney will complete the 41-man squad in the coming weeks.

Connacht Rugby kick off the official season with a home game against Newport Gwent Dragons on the weekend of September 5/6/7. Fixture dates and kick off times for the PRO12 are to be confirmed in the coming days.

The starting XV for the match against Clermont will be announced on Thursday from the following travelling squad.

Backs
Tiernan O’Halloran, Darragh Leader, Shane Layden, Fionn Carr, Matt Healy, Niyi Adeolokun, Danie Poolman, Shane O’Leary, Dave McSharry, Miah Nikora, Craig Ronaldson, Ian Porter, Kieran Marmion, Caolin Blade, Conor Finn, Jack Carty

Forwards
Denis Buckley, Finlay Bealham, Sean Henry, Dave Heffernan, Shane Delahunt, Nathan White, JP Cooney, Rodney Ah You, Aly Muldowney, Quinn Roux, Mick Kearney, Andrew Browne, Michael Swift, Eoghan Masterson, Danny Qualter, Jake Heenan, Willie Faloon, John Muldoon, George Naoupu, Eoin McKeon

Connacht Pre-Season Fixtures

Friday, August 8: Clermont Auverne v Connacht Rugby, Issoire, 8pm local time

Saturday, August 23: Wasps v Connacht Rugby, High Wycombe, 2:30pm