Tadhg Furlong returns to Ireland training ahead of France clash

Tadhg Furlong returned to full training with the Ireland squad on Tuesday as he steps up his recovery ahead of their opening match of the Six Nations against France.

The Leinster tighthead prop trained at Ireland’s camp in Portugal, after missing earlier sessions this week while managing a calf injury that has troubled him in recent weeks.

His return to the field was seen as a positive sign as preparations continue for Thursday’s opener in Paris.

Assistant coach Simon Easterby said Furlong made good progress during the session and that the overall condition of the squad has been encouraging.

"He got through some good work actually, he's progressed really," Easterby said.

"We've been happy with the majority of the lads who have been training and some of them have come in with little niggles, but everyone's progressing really well and we had everyone available to train today."

Easterby, however, stopped short of confirming Furlong’s availability for the match at the Stade de France. He said the session was an important step, with another key training day still to come before a final decision on the 33-year-old’s match readiness is made.