Tadhg Furlong’s long wait to don the blue of Leinster is over after landing a spot in the starting team to face Ronan O’Gara’s La Rochelle on Sunday.
The 32-year-old has not been seen for his province since the Croke Park clash against Munster in early October.
Since then, the tighthead prop had been sidelined with a hamstring injury that rule him out of Ireland’s Autumn Nations Series campaign.
BKT United Rugby Championship, RDS, Dublin 11/5/2024 Leinster vs Ospreys Leinster’s Tadhg Furlong. Pic: INPHO/Ryan Byrne
Furlong is now back in to face the French side in one of three changes from the side that defeated Munster over the Christmas period.
Speaking about the much-loved prop’s comeback, Leo Cullen said it is great to see him back after a faster-than-expected return from injury.
Cullen on Tadhg Furlong
‘Listen, everyone was very cautious in terms of his return so he’s had a few weeks of training under his belt, which has been great and sets him up well for the game,’ the Leinster boss explained.
Leinster head coach Leo Cullen is happy to welcome back Tadhg Furlong. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile
‘It’s going to be a great challenge. He’s a big-game player, has tonnes of experience, it’s a great boost for us to have him back.
“It’s not like it’s a rush job to get him back, it’s been the absolute opposite, everyone has been very patient to get him back to his point.’
Aside from Furlong, Leinster have also welcomed back Cian Healy and Jamison Gibson-Park into the starting selection.
Investec Champions Cup Round 2, Aviva Stadium, Dublin 14/12/2024 Leinster vs ASM Clermont Auvergne Leinster’s Jordie Barrett is tackled by Peceli Yato of ASM Clermont Auvergne. Pic: INPHO/Billy Stickland
Both RG Snyman and Jordie Barrett are in the matchday squad but have been left among the replacements for the French trip.
Leinster team vs La Rochelle
Jamie Osborne; Tommy O’Brien, Garry Ringrose, Robbie Henshaw, Jimmy O’Brien; Sam Prendergast, Jamison Gibson-Park; Cian Hely, Rónan Kelleher, Tadhg Furlong; Joe McCarthy, James Ryan; Ryan Baird, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris (capt).
Replacements: Gus McCarthy, Andrew Porter, Rabah Slimani, RG Snyman, Jack Conan, Luke McGrath, Ross Byrne, Jordie Barrett.
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source link
The post Tadhg Furlong makes long-awaited return in Leinster team to face La Rochelle first appeared on Rugby 247.
—-
Author : rugby-247
Publish date : 2025-01-10 16:36:38
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.