Late Call-Up for Andrew Conway Boosts Ireland’s Rugby World Cup Hopes
Irish winger Andrew Conway has received a late call-up to train with the Ireland squad this week, potentially boosting his chances of being included in the Rugby World Cup plans. Conway missed the entire previous season due to a knee injury and has not played for Ireland since the team’s victory over England in the 2022 Six Nations.
Initially left out of the 42-man training squad that has been working together for the past month, Conway has a proven track record under head coach Andy Farrell. Although he has not been formally added to the panel, his involvement in training could see him enter the mix in the competitive back-three area. The final slots in the back-three are being contested by players such as Hugo Keenan, Mack Hansen, James Lowe, Jacob Stockdale, Keith Earls, Calvin Nash, Jimmy O’Brien, and utility back Jamie Osborne.
Ireland’s first warm-up game against Italy is scheduled to take place in three weeks’ time, followed by matches against England and Samoa. After these fixtures, Farrell will announce his final 33-man squad. It remains uncertain whether an injury has created an opportunity for Conway at this point.
Meanwhile, Farrell is anxiously awaiting news regarding the disciplinary fate of his captain, Johnny Sexton. Sexton’s misconduct charge, related to his behavior towards match officials following Leinster’s Champions Cup final defeat to La Rochelle, was heard by a three-man EPCR disciplinary committee chaired by Christopher Quinlan KC on Friday. The committee is expected to deliver its judgment on Monday. In addition to Sexton’s individual charge, Leinster also faces a charge of failing to control their skipper, who missed the final due to injury.
In other news, Munster has received approval to host Super Rugby champions The Crusaders at Páirc Ui Chaoimh in February next year. This friendly match will mark the first time the United Rugby Championship holders face Rob Penney’s side on home soil. The match will take place at the home of Cork GAA, where Munster previously defeated South Africa A in November last year.
This unexpected call-up for Andrew Conway adds an interesting twist to Ireland’s Rugby World Cup preparations. With his previous experience and the opportunity to impress during training, Conway has a chance to secure a spot in the final squad. As the warm-up games approach, all eyes will be on the back-three battle, where the competition is fierce. Only time will tell if Conway can make a compelling case for inclusion in the Rugby World Cup campaign.