IT seems only like the other day that the Irish World Cup squad in their hotel in Bordeaux heard that a potentially serious illness had befallen Simon Best, one of the most popular members of the entire party.

DENIS HICKIE will make his first competitive start of the season in tonight’s Magners League against Cardiff Blues at Donnybrook.

Ulster scrum-half Neil Doak was the only uncapped player named in Ireland’s 2003 Rugby World Cup squad when it was announced this morning at Lansdowne Road.