It is understood Jamie Heaslip is on course to resume his rugby career in approximately six weeks’ time, writes Des Berry in The Herald.

The No 8 has been loosely pencilled in for Leinster’s PRO14 League match against the Ospreys on the weekend of March 24.

In truth, the 34-year-old will have to hit more markers between now and then on his road back to full match fitness.

Heaslip’s career has been in limbo since a second operation was required on his lower back at the end of October in what was a make-or-break move.

Understandably, he has been sparse with information about what he considers a private medical matter.

However, he has been able to take the baby steps from the operation to holding a genuine shot at a comeback, just over a year after he last played for Ireland, 14 months from his last appearance for Leinster.

Should the Naas native return on schedule he could be available for Leinster's Champions Cup quarter-final clash with Saracens on April 1.

Read the story in full in today's Herald

Online Editors