Ireland's Kearney set for 6 Nations return

Rob Kearney is expected to return at fullback for Ireland's Six Nations rugby trip to Scotland.

Ireland are set to recall Rob Kearney at fullback for Saturday's Six Nations rugby Test against Scotland at Murrayfield.

The double grand-slam winner was omitted from last weekend's 32-20 defeat by England, although his replacement Robbie Henshaw struggled positionally at Dublin's Aviva Stadium.

Garry Ringrose's hamstring injury opens the door for Henshaw to go back into the centres, with coach Joe Schmidt understood to be ready to restore Kearney to the No.15 jersey.

Kearney approached the Six Nations chasing full fitness after a thigh issue and stayed with Leinster when Ireland headed off for warm-weather training in Portugal.

Schmidt handed Henshaw a chance to impress against England at fullback, the position where he made his name at Connacht and his Test debut in 2013.

The British and Irish Lions' centre was unable to thrive as England exploited a lack of cohesion in Ireland's back three en route to their punishing four-try victory.

Connacht lock Quinn Roux should start in Edinburgh, with the dependable Devin Toner ruled out with an ankle injury.

Roux had not been named initially in Ireland's Six Nations squad, but seems to have edged ahead of provincial teammate Ultan Dillane, who should be named among the replacements.

Toner's absence has exacerbated the prior lock losses of Iain Henderson to a finger problem and Tadhg Beirne to a knee complaint.


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Source: AAP



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