Ireland v New Zealand: Ronan Kelleher on course to feature in Dublin Test, says Simon Easterby

Ireland hooker Ronan Kelleher is on track to recover from injury in time to face New Zealand in Dublin on 8 November.

Leinster said Kelleher, 26, would miss approximately four to six weeks after hurting his ankle in a game against Benetton on 5 October.

With Dan Sheehan ruled out and Rob Herring having not played this season, Kelleher’s injury added to Ireland’s injury issues in the front row, but Ireland coach Simon Easterby was upbeat when asked about Kelleher on Thursday.

“For sure, he’s doing well,” said Easterby.

Connacht wing Mack Hansen and Leinster fly-half Ciaran Frawley also sat out last weekend’s games but Easterby said Ireland expect to have a “full deck” for training on Friday.

“Everyone was good today, we’re really pleased,” he added.

“The medics have done a great job on top of the provincial stuff and then the transition into national camp has been seamless in terms of those players coming in with a couple of niggles.

“So far so good and hopefully we will have a full deck to train with tomorrow and leading into next week.

“[Mack] is progressing really well. Like Ronan and Rob Herring and a few others, they are working incredibly hard and come into camp in a good place and continue that progression.”