On the mend.

Jamie Heaslip is on course for a comeback in the new year after undergoing a second back surgery in recent weeks. Heaslip injured his back in the warm-up ahead of Ireland’s win over England in this year’s Six Nations.

The Leinster back-row hasn’t played a game since, suffering a number of setbacks in pre-season after initially looking like he was on course to return in time for the start of the current campaign.

While Leinster have so far been unable to provide a timeframe for his comeback, Ireland coach Simon Easterby revealed that they expect him to be back “fit and fresh” in the new year.

“We’re really hopeful that we’ll gain in experience and we’ll gain some valuable time with those players who are covering that eight position over that period. And then come the New Year we’ll have a fit and fresh Jamie Heaslip back, which would be great for us moving forward into the next couple of seasons for us.” Easterby said.

“So I think he leaves a void, but there’s plenty of leadership that will step up in his place, but also it leaves an opportunity for others to step into that role and find their feet in the squad.”

Fantastic news.