IN the absence of so many experienced players, Les Kiss, Ireland’s defence coach, has called on Jamie Heaslip and Tomás O’Leary to show leadership qualities during the forthcoming three-match tour of New Zealand and Australia.

GRAHAM HENRYS future as All Blacks coach hung by a thread last night as the New Zealand Rugby Union said he would have to reapply for his job following the failed World Cup campaign.

NEW ZEALAND Maori inside centre Rua Tipoki could be Munster-bound in time for next season’s Heineken Cup campaign.