A leading Irish coach has accused the IRFU of neglecting the club game and warned of the consequences down the line for provincial and representative teams.

Nick Easter was “gob-smacked” by his shock England call-up for the RBS 6 Nations Championship clash against Italy.

England boss Brian Ashton has sprung a major surprise ahead of Saturday’s RBS 6 Nations Championship clash against Italy by calling up uncapped Harlequins flanker Nick Easter.

Munster have confirmed the signing of former Great Britain rugby league full-back Gary Connolly ahead of the Heineken Cup registration deadline.

Harlequins have announced the signing of Samoan international second-row forward Opeta Palepoi.

Glasgow skipper Cameron Mather has won a starting place in Scotland’s team for Saturday’s Pool B World Cup clash with France in Sydney.

I T’S A big evening in the fledgling Celtic Cup with the four Irish provinces all in action.

MUNSTER coach Alan Gaffney expects to finalise his side for the Celtic Cup game against Glasgow in Hughenden after training in Limerick tomorrow.

Ulster33 Orrell 3

Tony McWhirter has come through a fitness test on the dislocated finger he suffered in training on Tuesday evening.

THE IRFU yesterday launched a ‘Player Registration Card’ in a bid to develop the game in Ireland.

NEW Leinster coach Gary Ella told his first press conference that the world cup offered an opportunity for young players to force their way into his team.

Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan has released all the fit Ulster players in the national squad to take part in Friday's friendly game against Orrell.

SCOTLAND coach Ian McGeechan has made five changes to the side for tomorrow’s Test match against South Africa in Durban.

Leeds can revive their outside chance of making the Zurich Premiership play-offs by defeating Headingley visitors Harlequins tomorrow night.

Scotland coach Ian McGeechan makes two changes to his team for the RBS 6 Nations clash with England at Twickenham on Saturday.

FORMER England fullback Nick Beal is under no illusions what to expect when Northampton tackle Ulster in the crunch Pool 6 tie at Ravenhill this evening (7.05).

Northampton coach Wayne Smith has rung the changes for tomorrow’s Zurich Premiership clash against leaders Gloucester in the wake of the pre-Christmas Powergen Cup shocker at Second Division Orrell.

England and Northampton Saints scrum-half Matt Dawson has been ruled out for the remainder of the year after injuring his knee against Leicester Tigers.

Scotland coach Ian McGeechan has made four changes, and one positional switch, to the side that upset the Springboks as he gives a number of his squad, including Gregor Townsend, an opportunity against the touring Fijians at Murrayfield on Sunday.

National League One newcomers Orrell have signed Welsh international Stephen Moore from French club Narbonne.

Wigan rugby league star Gary Connolly will make his debut for Orrell in tomorrow’s Powergen Cup sixth round tie against Leeds at Edge Hall Road.

London Irish face a trip to Bath following the sixth round draw for the English National Cup.