Munster squad for Leinster Clash

Munster head coach Tony McGahan has named a 27-man squad for Saturday's Magners League encounter with Leinster at Thomond Park (kick-off 7.30pm).

The selected squad includes all 23 players who were on duty for the 16-15 victory over the Cardiff Blues last Friday, plus Paul Warwick, who has returned from Australia, John Hayes, Donncha O'Callaghan and David Wallace.

Tony McGahan met with press today in UL and gave his thoughts on Saturday's derby game, saying: "We can't afford to lose any game and we've worked so hard with last weekend's win over Cardiff away from home.

Humphries and Botha included in Ulster squad

Ulster head coach Brian McLaughlin has named a 35-man squad ahead of Friday's Magners League match against the Scarlets at Ravenhill (kick-off 7.05pm).


Ian Humphreys and BJ Botha return to Ulster's preliminary squad for their showdown with fellow play-off chasers, the Scarlets.

Prop Botha has not played since injuring his elbow before Christmas, while Humphreys pulled a hamstring during training last month.

The return of both players will be a timely boost for Ulster with a string of important matches coming up for Brian McLaughlin's side.

Eddie O Sullivan an Edinburgh possibility

Former Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan in one of a long list of candidates to take over as Edinburgh Head Coach next season.

Three-time Triple Crown-winning coach O'Sullivan is currently in charge of the US Eagles but his contract runs out after the World Cup and is widely believed to be keen to return to Europe.

O'Sullivan is scheduled to be interviewed when he returns from the US over Easter but he faces stiff competition from a number of candidates.

Amongst them are three Australians: Former Brumbies coach Laurie Fisher, who will leave Munster at the end of the season, former Munster Head Coach and current Ireland backs coach Alan Gaffney and Nick Scrivener, who has taken over at the Edinburgh helm on an interim basis after Rob Moffat was axed at the end of January.

Poor divil

Leicester Tigers gave Bath an almighty hiding in their Aviva Premiership meeting at the Rec on Saturday, scoring five tries to nil to come away 37-6 victors. There was one guy however who took the hammering more literally than others.

Fullback Abendanon, who was courageous throughout, took some of the biggest and most frequent hits you're likely to see this season. It actually became quite comical for the viewer, as whenever the fullback got the ball, there seemed to be a Pacific Islander sniffing him out.

Sivivatu heading to Clermont

All Black winger Sitiveni Sivivatu has signed with a French rugby club, according to an online report.

The Chiefs winger will leave New Zealand after the Rugby World Cup to play for French club Clermont on a two year contract, Fairfax media reports.

Sivivatu, 28, made his debut for the All Blacks in 2005 and has played 43 tests for the side, scoring 27 tries.

He missed last year's international season due to a shoulder injury.

Hat trick signing for Leinster

Heineken Cup quarter-finalists Leinster have announced the signings of Natal Sharks second row Steven Sykes, Connacht prop Jamie Hagan and Crusaders fly-half Matt Berquist.


Sykes, 26, joins from Super Rugby side the Sharks on a three-year deal and has represented South Africa at Under 19 and Emerging Springbok level.

"For me I believe it is a good career and personal move - I want to play international rugby and it would be a fantastic honour to play for Ireland as well if it came about. Before any of that though I am really excited to play for Leinster. I really do believe it is the right move for me," said Sykes.

"Of course it was not an easy decision to make, I don't for one second want anyone to think I am unhappy here or unhappy at the Sharks; I love the Sharks! I have played over 130 games for the Union and loved every minute of it. However I believe that it will be very good for my rugby to make the move and I am looking forward to the experience of playing in European conditions week-in and week-out, learning about their way of playing - which I think will suit me.

Quade Cooper has balls

Have a look at this STUNT Mr. Cooper pulls off, ridiculous.

BOD reaches 25 tries

This video never gets old

Despite having a relatively poor tournament, Ireland finished on a high as they stopped England from picking up the much sought after Six Nations Grand Slam. For O’Driscoll, it was a day of personal triumph as the win was capped off with a historic 25th try for his country in the competition, surpassing Ian Smith's record that was set between 1924 and 1933.

Leinster tame the Dragons

Leinster moved joint-second in the Magners League on Sunday after sealing a 26-16 win at the Dragons.

The match was tinged with controversy though as, with the game locked at 16-16, referee Andy Macpherson chose to award the Irish team the decision despite there being no definitive evidence that a try would have been scored.

Aided by 16 points from Jonathan Sexton, the result significantly boosts the away side's chances of making the end-of-season play-offs.

Having not won in Wales all season, Leinster came out determined to end that run and took an early three point advantage through Sexton.

Jason Tovey missed the chance to level matters soon after, before the Dragons scored the first try of the match just before the 20 minute mark.

After a huge hit by winger Aled Brew, the ball came to centre Adam Hughes who went all the way to the line, Tovey converting. Dragons extended that lead with a penalty but Leinster hit back when Isaac Boss touched down from close range, Sexton adding the extras.

However, Tovey restored the Dragons' advantage to make it 13-10 at half-time.

Not long into the second-half, Sexton levelled the scores with a penalty before winger Aled Brew was sin-binned for a trip on Isa Nacewa. Leinster's fly-half kicked the resultant three points but once again the Dragons hit back through another Tovey penalty.

On 55 minutes came the decisive moment in the match. Leinster were controversially awarded a penalty try much to the frustration of the Dragons crowd. And the score settled the away side's nerves with Sexton sealing the win with his fourth penalty.

Aironi record first win

Connacht became the first team to be beaten by Aironi in the Magners League as the Italian side made history with a 25-13 victory at Stadio Zaffanella on Saturday.

Aironi outscored Connacht by three tries to one as they claimed the scalp of the Irish province in front of their home fans.Wingers Kaine Robertson and Danwel Demas both scored their first tries in the competition, and South African flanker Gareth Krause crossed for his second of the campaign.

Connacht's sole try came from number 8 Ray Ofisa and not even the introduction of fit-again captain John Muldoon, in the closing stages, could inspire the visitors.