MUNSTER back-row forward Nick Williams faces at least six weeks out following knee surgery, but the Magners League champions will still have something to smile about for then new season.

RORY BEST will lead Ireland’s tour to America as one of five Grand Slam winners included in the 25-man squad.

THERE is just one change on the Irish A team to meet Scotland from the team originally named to meet England Saxons in last week’s postponed tie.

THE first match at Croke Park was supposed to be the celebration of a new era in Irish rugby.

IS it the end of the road in Munster for New Zealand legend Christian Cullen?

MARK McCALL has named his Ulster side to face Cardiff in the Celtic League on Friday night in Ravenhill (9pm) in their penultimate home game of the season.

Ulster 27 Munster 3

MUNSTER'S drawing power was further highlighted yesterday with the clash against Ulster at Ravenhill tonight virtually sold out.

Treviso 26 Ulster 43

ULSTER coach Mark McCall has opted to retain Kieran Campbell at scrum-half for Monday’s Celtic League clash against Leinster at Ravenhill (5pm).

JEREMY Manning, Munster’s highly promising New Zealander, is handed an opportunity of establishing himself as a regular in the side with his selection at full-back for tonight’s (7.10pm) eagerly awaited Celtic League clash with Ulster at Musgrave Park.

GORDON D’ARCY will partner Shane Horgan in the centre for Leinster’s critical trip to Galway to play Connacht in the Celtic League tomorrow.