mens
international
Ireland have posted a positive update on Sam Prendergast as Leinster The out-half continues his race against time to prove his mettle for Friday Nations Championship Opening of the Northern Series against Argentina.
Prendergast has emerged as a major doubt for the clash at the Aviva Stadium after suffering a wrist injury in training last week, leading to uncertainty over his availability at a time when he appeared to be favorite to start at No.10 for Ireland.
The injury threatened to derail his participation in Andy Farrell’s opening match in November, but the Irish team’s statement released on Sunday painted a far more positive picture.
“The Irish national team has stepped up preparations ahead of the away game Argentina to the Aviva Stadium on Friday in the Nations Championship Northern series.
“Jimmy O’Brien has resumed full training, while Sam Prendergast continues to improve and the board is optimistic that he will also be available for selection.”
With Munster’s Jack Crowley out with a long-term injury, Prendergast looked the leading candidate to wear the No.10 shirt against Los Cougars after a strong start to the season with Leinster. The 23-year-old had back-to-back man-of-the-match displays against Cardiff and Clermont Auvergne before a wrist problem halted his momentum.
Prendergast’s injury forced him to miss Leinster’s URC clash with Munster at the Aviva Stadium, where Joey Carbery was handed his first start in the halves since returning to the province.
At the time, Leo Cullen admitted that the situation was difficult to call.
“He’ll be solid, I’d say,” Cullen said when asked if Prendergast would be available for Ireland’s opener.
“Whether it’s very positive or very negative, I’m not entirely sure. I really don’t know.
“How he manages some of the pain is probably the main question for him. I know Sam would be very bullish to speak to him. He was keen to play this week (against Munster) but we made a more sensible decision for him.”
If Prendergast fails to prove his mettle, it could see Connacht’s Ciaran Frawley step into the frame to take over the number ten jersey. A former Leinster full-back, Frawley proved electric in the first two games for Connacht, coming off the bench strongly against Saracens in the opening round Investec Champions Cup cementing his credentials as a viable option for Pharrell.
