Dan Sheehan, the hooker who sustained a knee injury during Ireland’s 27-20 defeat to South Africa in July, is expected to return for the 2025 Six Nations event. Sheehan is on the mend from an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury, with his rehabilitation showing good progress and no complications so far.
Leinster coach Jacques Nienaber, who has a background as a physiotherapist, expressed optimism about Sheehan’s recovery during a training session in Gorey. Speaking of the general timeframe for ACL recoveries, Nienaber stated that a six to nine month period is typical, though there are instances where it may take longer due to unforeseen complications.
In other rugby news, there are high hopes that RG Snyman, a stalwart from the Springboks, will be fit to compete against New Zealand in the Rugby Championship slated for August 31st, following sufficient recovery from a foot injury. The formidable lock who transferred from Munster to Leinster recently will remain with the South African team throughout the series.
Nienaber is under the impression that Snyman’s condition isn’t alarming, based on what he’s heard within the camp and seems to be optimistic that Snyman will be match-fit for the New Zealand test.
Jamison Gibson-Park, who had previously suffered a hamstring injury while playing the Bulls towards the end of the previous season, was also seen at the Leinster training session. While he wasn’t involved in any contact work, Nienaber anticipates him joining the training sessions in a week or two. He also indicated that French prop Rabah Slimani was present at the training.