Ireland's rugby plans, along with those of thousands of supporters have been thrown into disarray as a result of the potentially catastrophic outbreak of foot and mouth disease in these islands.

Captain Keith Wood today urged Irish supporters not to get carried with unrealistic expectations on the eve of tomorrow’s crunch Lloyds TSB Six Nations clash with France.

Pau scrum-half Philippe Carbonneau has been drafted into the French side for Saturday's Six Nations clash with Ireland.