Ireland plan to have Sexton in full training tomorrow as Conway is ruled out

“Paddy (Jackson) has been there all last week running the plays.”

IRELAND OUT-HALF Jonathan Sexton is expected to take a full part in squad training tomorrow after a calf problem necessitated a managed training workload last week.

“(Sexton) is making good progress and he’s on track to train tomorrow,” reported new Team Manager Paul Dean.

Joe Schmidt’s group has been cut from 40 to 39, however, as uncapped Munster back Andrew Conway has “aggravated an existing groin complaint” that will prevent him from making his Test debut against Scotland.

Like Sexton, Sean O’Brien and Keith Earls had their training limited last week, but both are expected to take a full part from here on in.

Keith Earls and Paddy Jackson with Tevita Kuridrani Morgan Treacy / INPHO Morgan Treacy / INPHO / INPHO

In the absence of the out-half who has been Schmidt’s first choice since arriving in Ireland, Paddy Jackson was the only out-half in full training last week. However, having played with Sexton at provincial and international level, Rob Kearney has no concerns that the playmaker’s early absence will be a disruption to preparation.

“We’re all so used to it now,” says Kearney, “on a weekly basis, more often than not, someone is going in or out. Someone picks up a niggle or they’re not fully fit, so the coach doesn’t risk them.

“The way Test rugby is now, it’s par for the course, Paddy (Jackson) has been there all last week running the plays. He’s more than equipped and he’s got a week head-start.”