Ulster champions Ruairi Óg, Cushendall, can count among their number this season a player who has played through a broken neck to gain their 11th Ulster title.

The Irish team have ramped up their preparations ahead of the crunch test against New Zealand in Auckland.

If Declan Kidney genuinely believes having to play four games in 22 days will adversely affect Ireland’s chances of getting their RBS 6 Nations challenge back on track, he will rotate his squad for Saturday’s clash with Italy at the Aviva Stadium.

ONE of the Irish squad at Murrayfield tomorrow once sparred with David Haye, but these days prefers curing pain. Michael Moynihan spoke to Irish team medic Eanna Falvey.