SIX NATIONS CHAMPIONS Ireland returned to training yesterday and today as Joe Schmidt prepares for the summer tour of Argentina.
The squad were behind closed doors for a light session after going into a 24-hour mini camp yesterday and stayed in Dublin’s Clyde Court Hotel on Lansdowne Road.
Joe Schmidt named his 30-man squad to face the Pumas yesterday, but hopefuls such as Andrew Conway, Ian Madigan, Dave Foley and Craig Gilroy were also among the training group.
Jonathan Sexton touched down from Paris feeling no ill effects from Racing Metro’s defeat to Toulon on Friday, with Schmidt saying:
“He’s in and he’s got a spring in his step. He’s telling me he feels really fresh and ready to go. I’ve no doubt that he’ll benefit from the next two weeks preparation and that’s a bonus for us.”
Kieran Marmion will be hoping to win his first cap after going on last summer’s tour of North America.
Simon Zebo returns to the fold alongside the uncapped James Cronin to bring the Munster contingent to eight.
South African-born duo Robbie Diack (below) and Rob Herring are the uncapped members of Ulster’s nine players in the senior squad.
Chris Henry gets another tour to show his worth at openside.
Sean O’Brien was a notable omission from the touring party, he watched today’s session with Rob Kearney.
