IRELAND WING and Lions tour hopeful Simon Geoghegan could begin his comeback from serious injury when Bath visit West Hartlepool next Thursday.
Geoghegan was included among Fran Cotton's 62 man preliminary party despite a chronic shortage of senior rugby since making his Bath debut in September, 1994. Serious groin problems were followed by delicate surgery on both big toes to cure a bone structure weakness, but the 37 times capped solicitor has successfully come through two second team games and is now ready to step up a level.
"We have pencilled him in for the West Hartlepool game, and it's safe to say that Simon is chomping at the bit," said Bath team secretary Jon Allen.
Old Wesley, now facing a fight to avoid relegation, have made a number of changes for this weekend's All Ireland League match with Ballymena. Robby Love comes back into the pack while Colin Younger moves to the wing for Andrew Leeson, with John Carroll coming into the centre. The tighthead prop position will also change as Mossy Cox is unavailable. Stuart Kinlan comes in as the replacement.
Old Belvedere, who face Lansdowne at Anglesea Road, welcome back Mike Carswell to the back row as he has completed his two week suspension.
Lars Wiegand, who came on last week against Cork Constitution for Paddy Kenny, starts at hooker with Feargal O Beirne back in the pack, having recovered from injury. There is, however, a lingering doubt about O Beirne's fitness. He faces a fitness test later in the week.
Lansdowne, who have a number of injury worries will not pick their side until Friday morning, but out half Erie Elwood is still sidelined with injury.
