Ulster’s former Natal Sharks and Springbok full-back, Stefan Terblanche believes the Irish provinces will remain an attractive proposition for overseas players even if the IRFU sticks to its plan to squeeze the influx of non-Irish qualified talent.

JAMES LAST may or may not be tuning into the big match early on Saturday morning.

THE IRFU last night welcomed the news that proposed legislation calling for Six Nations and Heineken Cup fixtures involving Irish sides to be shown only on free-to-air TV channels has been consigned to the dustbin by the new government.

IRFU chief executive Philip Browne has declared that the union will not bankrupt itself in its attempts to persuade the country’s top-shelf internationals to ignore the lure of lucrative contracts from abroad.

Ireland and Scotland have secured their place at the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Hong Kong next year after coming through the qualifying finals in Mallorca.

North Fermanagh clubman Robert Kerr steps into the highest office in Irish cricket on February 1, when he will be installed as President of the Irish Cricket Union, at its Annual Meeting in Dundalk.

LEINSTER rugby was left reeling - and coachless - last night with the shock announcement that Matt Williams is to be appointed Scottish national coach.