Ireland get double boost ahead of Six Nations

INJURY UPDATE: Johnny Sexton and Tadhg Furlong are expected to be fit to play for Ireland in the Six Nations, which starts next month, Irish provincial side Leinster said on Monday.

Veteran flyhalf Sexton, 37, suffered a cheekbone injury in the United Rugby Championship game against Connacht on January 1 and underwent “a procedure” last week, according to a statement from the club.

“He will be further assessed next week, but is expected to be back ahead of the Six Nations,” the statement said.

Ireland, ranked number one in the world, visit Wales for their Six Nations opener on February 4.

Andy Farrell’s side then have a potential title-defining appointment with defending champions France in Dublin seven days later.

Sexton, who has won 109 caps for his country, missed two of Ireland’s three Tests in November because of injury.

Prop Furlong had recovered from an ankle problem but suffered what Leinster described as “a minor setback” in training last week with an unrelated calf injury.