Pat Sanderson has now returned to full training and may well be seen in action at some stage this afternoon.

Paul Burke, who took part in the Ireland squad training last Monday, saw his consultant this morning, and is expected to return to full training on Monday 22 January.

Peter Richards has a long standing back problem, and saw a specialist on Wednesday in the hope of finding an accurate diagnosis.

Jason Leonard picked up a calf strain in the first half against Perigueux last weekend. Treatment has progressed well, and it is expected Jason will be fit to play next weekend, should we qualify for the quarter finals.

Rory Jenkins went over on his ankle last weekend in Perigueux, although the damage is not as bad as we initially thought. Rory should be fit to play in early February, if not sooner.