The centre of attention.

Garry Ringrose likely won’t feature for Ireland against Wales next week. The outside centre is nearing a return to action, but Leinster senior coach Stuart Lancaster maintains he will get some provincial game time against the Southern Kings, rather than feature in the Six Nations.

This weekend’s clash with Scarlets is set to come a week to soon, but the Kings game, which takes place the night before the Ireland’s clash with Wales seems a reasonable target.

This leaves Munster’s Chris Farrell in pole position to partner Bundee Aki in place of the injured Robbie Henshaw.

“I think the sensible thing is for everyone to get game time, so we’ve got Kings coming round the corner,” Lancaster told The42 as Leinster announced a partnership with the Intercontinental Hotel yesterday.

He hasn’t actually trained with the team yet. He’s done work on the side of the pitch – he certainly seems to be running well on the side of the pitch – he hasn’t actually changed direction, made decisions in the moment.

“So once he takes that step, we’ll all have a better idea of where he’s going to be.”

“It’s been such a hugely frustrating season for him because the shoulder injury, compounded by the ankle injury.

“He’s certainly got the quality (to go straight in against Wales), but that will be Joe’s call. He knows how quickly he can get up to speed in the Ireland camp.” 

“From our point of view, he’ll be back in the mix sooner rather than later. Obviously Ireland will pick him when he’s ready.”

In terms of Henshaw, Ireland yesterday revealed he would miss the rest of the Six Nations, but didn’t give an exact timeline on his shoulder injury. Lancaster reckons he may miss Leinster’s crucial Champions Cup quarter final with holders Saracens.

“I haven’t spoken to Robbie at all. I think he’s gone straight from camp to see the specialist.” Lancaster said.

“I don’t know is the honest answer. Obviously he’s out of the Six Nations and with the Saracens game being two weeks after the Six Nations – Ireland play England, we play Ospreys and then it’s Saracens. So the reality is, it’s going to be tight.”