Video: Leinster on how close Ringrose and O'Brien are to an Ireland return

Ireland look increasingly likely to have both Garry Ringrose and Sean O’Brien available for their next Natwest 6 Nations game with Scotland.

Centre Ringrose played for 54 minutes for Leinster against the Southern Kings last Friday and came through unscathed.

Leinster backs coach Girvan Dempsey feels that Ringrose is in prime shape to be picked by Ireland.

“I think he’s made the right step towards that. I think he’s been excellent. I thought he was excellent in the minutes he played. I thought he looked very sharp on his feet, he got involved in a number of contacts. I thought his passing skills were excellent, his distribution to the wide channels was really, really good”

“I think he’s progressed and he’s putting his hand up for selection. It will ultimately be up to the national coaches to decide the makeup of their squad for the last two remaining Six Nations games. We were very happy with how Garry progressed. It is always tough coming back from injury and slotting in, but I thought he did really well.”

Forcing his way into the centre won’t be easy, with Chris Farrell awarded the man-of-the-match against Wales after replacing the injured Robbie Henshaw. Farrell’s centre partner Bundee Aki also impressed, scoring a first half try.

Meanwhile there was an optimistic outlook on flanker Sean O’Brien, who hasn’t played since undergoing hip surgery in January.

“Seanie has made good progress. Obviously we will assess him how he goes during the week, but he upped his running volume last week and he is making strides to a return to play, which is great news for us.”

And Dempsey hasn’t ruled him out to play against the Scarlets in the Pro 14 this weekend.

“He’ll do more running today, if he comes through that then he will progress it tomorrow. We are fortunate it is a long week into Saturday and we will assess. It is going to be very, very optimistic that he will be involved, if not this week, definitely our return game after the break. I’d be very hopeful.”

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