Tadhg Furlong returns to Ireland training ahead of France clash

Ireland assistant coach Simon Easterby confirmed that the full squad was able to take part in training on Sunday as they continue their build-up to their Six Nations opener against France on Thursday evening.

Ireland’s preparations for their trip to Paris have been far from straightforward, with the suspension of Bundee Aki and an injury to Hugo Keenan, but there was positive news at the weekend as tight-head prop Tadhg Furlong returned to training after missing earlier sessions with a lingering calf issue.

The 33-year-old had been forced off after just 16 minutes of Leinster’s Champions Cup win on 17 January.

"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," Easterby said.

Updating on Furlong’s fitness, Easterby added: "He got through some good work, actually. He's progressed really well.

"I think [Sunday] was important and obviously [Monday] will be another important training day, but so far, so good."

Ireland remain short of options at loose-head, with Andrew Porter, Paddy McCarthy and Jack Boyle all unavailable through injury.

Uncapped Connacht prop Billy Bohan, 20, had been called into the squad as cover but has since returned to Dublin to link up with the Ireland ‘A’ side ahead of their clash with England 'A' in Cork on Friday.