Jacob Stockdale: Ulster wing to return to training with Ireland after injury

Jacob Stockdale won the last of his 35 Ireland caps against Japan 15 months ago

Ulster wing Jacob Stockdale will return to training with the Ireland squad this week after suffering an ankle injury four weeks ago.

Head coach Andy Farrell said he expects all of his 37-man panel to be fit for next week's Test against South Africa.

Stockdale was injured as Ulster lost to Leinster on 30 September, but it was unrelated to the ankle problem that kept him out for most of last season.

"I'm delighted to see him [Stockdale] back in the room," Farrell said.

"He obviously had a very tough time of it last year but he has shown resilience and I was really impressed with how he started the season. I thought he really showed what he was trying to achieve and where he was trying to get to.

"Unfortunately he got injured again over the last couple of weeks but he had started back really determinedly, he looked strong in contact and you could see that hunger back in him."

Stockdale has scored 19 international tries in 35 Ireland appearances, but injury has prevented him from representing his country since his try-scoring last cap against Japan 15 months ago.

Tadhg Beirne, Hugo Keenan, Calvin Nash and Jamison Gibson-Park will also begin training again following injury.

Irish Rugby's statement added that the Ulster contingent of Robert Baloucoune, James Hume, Rob Herring, Michael Lowry, Stuart McCloskey, Tom O'Toole, Nick Timoney and Kieran Treadwell would "be managed over the coming days" following the recent gastro issues experienced by the Irish province in South Africa which forced the postponement of last weekend's scheduled game against the Sharks.

Munster fly-half Joey Carbery has been cleared to "train fully this week" after recovering from a shoulder injury while Irish Rugby said that Ciaran Frawley's similar ailment would be "managed across the week".

Carbery was replaced after 53 minutes for Munster against Leinster

Tadhg Furlong (ankle) and Peter O'Mahony (neck) are expected to train later this week once they complete their rehabilitation programmes while Craig Casey (groin) and Josh van der Flier (ankle) are continuing to have treatment.

Farrell, who said that none of the main squad will be released to their provinces this week, welcomed Munster fly-half Carbery's availability.

"Just so we can get back and running and train as a team and have him barking orders," he said of the 26-year-old.

"That's what a general always does so for him to have that peace of mind to get back up and running himself is pretty reassuring for everyone else."

Ireland begin their Nations Series against world champions South Africa on 5 November before Tests against Fiji and Australia the following two weeks.

Players named in the Ireland A squad for the game against an All Blacks XV on 4 November will remain with their provinces this week to play in the round seven of the United Rugby Championship.