Rugby: Jake Heenan's injury not as bad as first feared

Whangarei's Jake Heenan is out with injury for the short term for his Irish club Connacht, but looks likely to return before the new year. Photo/Getty Images

Whangarei's Jake Heenan came off injured in his latest match for Irish Pro12 side Connacht, but the injuries aren't as bad as first thought.

The 24-year-old flanker lasted 45 minutes in Coventry against London Wasps before ankle and knee injuries forced him out.

The former New Zealand U20 international will miss Saturday's Guinness Pro12 game against Ulster at Kingspan Stadium, but as he continues his rehabilitation under the supervision of Connacht's medical and fitness team, it's hoped that Heenan will be available for selection against Munster in Galway on New Year's Eve.

Connacht lost the match 32-17, leaving them with just four wins from nine matches.

Their eighth position on the ladder is a stark contrast to their competition victory last season.

Meanwhile, former Blues front-rower Tom McCartney has moved a step closer to playing test rugby for Ireland by signing a new three-year deal at Connacht.

The 31-year-old will qualify for Ireland on residency grounds in November next year and could yet force his way into head coach Joe Schmidt's plans.

McCartney's new deal also provides a shot in the arm for Connacht, who will lose head coach Pat Lam, formerly in charge of the Blues, to Bristol at the end of the season.

McCartney joined Connacht in 2014 following seven seasons at the Blues in which he filled in at prop on occasions.

He tallied 100 NPC games between stints at North Harbour and Auckland.