Sunday, December 13, 2009

Flannery doubtful for Six Nations

Jerry Flannery
Jerry Flannery missed Munster's win over Perpignan on Friday

Jerry Flannery is a doubt for Ireland's opening Six Nations matches in February because of an Achilles injury.

Hooker Flannery is expected to undergo exploratory surgery later this week after missing Munster's Heineken Cup win over Perpignan on Friday.

If the 31-year-old is ruled out, it would leave Ireland short of options with Rory Best out for the season.

Connacht's Sean Cronin, 23, who earned his first cap in November, would be the next most likely choice.

The uncapped Fogarty brothers John, 32, and Denis, 26, appear to be next in line behind Cronin.

John Fogarty has been keeping Bernard Jackman out of the Leinster team for most of this season, while Denis has been getting regular action for Munster because of Flannery's international commitments and injuries.

Ireland open the defence of their Six Nations title against Italy at Croke Park on 6 February before facing France in Paris a week later.

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