James Lowe has returned to Leinster training and his progress will be eagerly observed by Ireland boss Andy Farrell.
After the high of his November performances in green, Lowe missed out on a place in Farrell's initial Six Nations plans due to a calf injury suffered on the eve of the squad announcement.
Mack Hansen made his debut in the championship opener against Wales and, after a man of the match display in that fixture, scored a try in Ireland's loss to France in Paris last Saturday.
