Ireland fly-half Jonathan Sexton has handed Joe Schmidt a boost as he nears match fitness well in advance of November’s Autumn Internationals.
Sexton could make his first Leinster start of the season on Friday night against the Ospreys, following a four-month absence from the game due to a shoulder injury sustained during last season’s Guinness PRO12 final defeat to Connacht.
The 31-year-old returned to training earlier this week, and is in contention to feature in Leo Cullen’s squad to face the league leaders at the RDS. Sexton was absent from Ireland’s summer tour to South Africa having started all five games of the RBS 6 Nations in the spring. And Leinster backs coach, Girvan Dempsey is optimistic ahead of the Irish international’s return to the game. “He has gone well, he went through a good block of work last week in training and all looks good. We are delighted to have him back on board,” said Dempsey. “He’s been in here at six in the morning, doing his rehab and getting himself ready through his sessions. Even in the last week, the energy he brings to the group. “So it is, it’s massive to have him back and it’s been really helpful for him to have been around for the whole of pre-season.” Sexton’s return is also good news for Ireland, who face tough November tests, including two matches against world champions, New Zealand. Sexton who has 61 caps for Ireland will be eyeing a successful and injury-free winter, with the RBS 6 Nations fast approaching next February.
