To that end Doug Howlett and Felix Jones both successfully underwent minor knee scopes last week and though set to miss the upcoming February RaboDirect PRO12 games will be back in action in March.

Stephen Archer who limped out of the Musgrave Park game against Cardiff with a dead leg and as a result missed the Heineken Cup rounds 5&6 is expected back training next week though doubtful for the Edinburgh game while James Downey (rib cartilage) is also well on the road to recovery but like Archer may find that the Edinburgh game next Saturday week a little too soon for him.

Sean Scanlon (back) and Barry O'Mahony (groin) would be expected to resume training in 3/4 weeks while Niall Ronan and Luke O'Dea should both be involved in limited training next week hopeful of a return to action sometime later in February.

Danny Barnes who bruised ribs in the British & Irish win over Plymouth Albion a fortnight ago is on the easy list this week and Dave O'Callaghan (knee) injured in the same game will have his progress monitored on a weekly basis before a decision on his return is made