Sean Cronin Responds To Talk Of Lions Selection After Sensational Comeback

Sean Cronin returned this past weekend in style.

The Leinster hooker made his first start after a 12 week lay-off with a hamstring tear. He missed the entire Six Nations, but made a try scoring return against Ospreys, and what a try it was.

Former Munster playmaker and current Racing 92 coach Ronan O’Gara believes moments like that try are why he should be on the plane. The Cork native reckons Cronin would be a phenomenal impact sub.

Cronin however is taking things one step at a time, and while he’s flattered- he’s realistic about his chances.

“It was good just to be back on the pitch after being out for three months, it’s a long time and a lot of rugby so I was just glad to be back,” he said.

“I’ve missed so much rugby my focus is getting into the Leinster squad at the moment it’s so tough. I’d be flattered and chuffed if they [Gatland] were even thinking of me or had me in their conversations.

“You got quality hookers down there in my position but I’m just back so I’d be flattered and chuffed to bits if I was just mentioned in those conversations that they’re having.

“I’m just looking to keep the head down and work here. I know it’s cliché but you’ve got three of four guys vying for two spots in the matchday squads. With a huge game coming up that’s just the focus for me.”

The Limerick man said he’s looking forward to touring with Ireland, should he miss the cut with the Lions.

“The Lions is the pinnacle but we’ve got a great two-Test tour in Japan and America so the opportunity is there for guys that don’t make the Lions to go on that and be involved with getting an opportunity there.

“That’s a big carrot for every guy going out on the pitch at the weekend, I’m no different. I don’t want to be thinking about stuff like that, it is tough enough to get into the squad here at the moment.”