Ireland's captain, Johnny Sexton, has announced that he is on track to be fit for the start of the Guinness Six Nations, and has already resumed some training after suffering a cheekbone injury.
Sexton had been in doubt in recent weeks after getting injured in Leinster's New Year's Day win against Connacht in the BKT United Rugby Championship and had to undergo a surgical procedure. However, he returned to training last week wearing a protective mask and plans to train fully next week in preparation for Ireland's opener against Wales in Cardiff on 4 February. He also admitted that he was relieved to find out that his injury was not as severe as initially feared.