Joe Schmidt has chosen New Zealander John Plumtree as the man to take charge of Ireland’s forwards and the 48-year-old will join the Irish coaching set-up next month.

John Toshack will herald a new Wales era when he names his first squad since being appointed in November for the friendly against Hungary.

Even by Welsh rugby standards of the recent past, Neath’s preparations for this weekend’s Celtic League final have been set against an unusually politicised backdrop.

FIONN McLoughlin, son of Gerry (Ginger), the renowned Ireland Triple Crown-winning prop in 1982, is a replacement on the Caerphilly team to meet Munster in the final group qualifying match of the Celtic League at Thomond Park tomorrow night (7.30pm).