Jack Conan: 'I thought I was going home'

Ireland's Jack Conan has admitted that he felt his Rugby World Cup journey was over after he damaged ligaments in his ankle during the first half of the opening warm-up game against Italy in August.

The Leinster man has been out for six weeks and has not played since. This meant he has missed games against England, Samoa, Romania, Tonga, and South Africa in that timeframe.

The 31-year-old is now back on the grass and is in contention for a starting spot in Ireland's next fixture against Scotland next weekend on October 7.

Conan revealed to members of the media on Friday that he felt his tournament had to come to an end when his injury issues came to light once again.

"Three or four weeks ago, I thought I was going home," he said this week.

The Leinster backrow also thanks Ireland's medical team for helping him back to full fitness.

Jack Conan feared his World Cup was over 3/4 weeks ago.

He suffered torn ligaments in his foot at start of Aug and then setback of bone bruising. On track to make comeback against Scotland on Saturday week. pic.twitter.com/GgTKVMCSQS

— Sinéad Kissane (@sineadkissane) September 29, 2023

"To be able to turn it around with the work of all the physios, the docs, and stuff - they've done an incredible amount of work with me, and I'm unbelievably grateful.

"I'm training away, feeling good and just ready to add my bit of value that I can."

For someone so well versed in rugby, Conan has been around the block with Ireland. The Wicklow native has won 39 caps for his country. However, he has only featured once for Ireland at a World Cup tournament. Conan's last World Cup outing came against Scotland in the 27-3 victory in Yokohama in the 2019 World Cup.

The Leinster star is hoping that next weekend's game against Scotland will not be his only taste of World Cup rugby.

"It will be great; my one cap in a World Cup so far was against Scotland, so it will be good to add another one," he added.

"Hopefully, I get that opportunity next week, but I was out there training today and it's such a joy to be out running around with the lads and get back with a ball in your hands and switching off from all the rehab a little bit.

"I know I have a good bit more to do, but it’s such a relief."

Date: Saturday 7th October 2023