MUNSTER coach Tony McGahan doesn’t do losing well, but he managed a few smiles when reflecting on a narrow defeat to Leicester Tigers at Musgrave Park last night.

IT IS usually wise to downplay the opposition before a huge Test match, but Australia captain Rocky Elsom has a simple message for his side ahead of their visit to Croke Park next Sunday: this is the best team in Ireland’s history.

Martin Johnson will name one of the most inexperienced England teams in memory to face Australia at Twickenham on Saturday – and that is despite the return of Jonny Wilkinson.

ENGLAND rugby coach Martin Johnson has denied rugby has a drug culture and claimed players are aware of the consequences if they take prohibited substances.

DANNY CIPRIANI has been left out of England’s squad for the summer Test series against Argentina – but there is a recall for 2003 World Cup-winning hooker Steve Thompson.

THOSE harbouring ambitions of playing a part in the RBS 6 Nations will be hoping to impress their respective national coaches in tonight’s intriguing Ireland A-England Saxons tie at Donnybrook (kick-off 7.35pm).

Danny Cipriani is one of six capped players named in the England Saxons side to face Ireland A at Donnybrook.

England manager Martin Johnson appeared to provide an early glimpse into his thinking ahead of a demanding autumn Test campaign by making eight players available for EDF Energy Cup action this weekend.

LEICESTER coach Heyneke Meyer hailed a “brilliant” performance by Toby Flood after Tigers launched their Heineken Cup campaign with victory over the Ospreys at Welford Road.

England Saxons 34 Ireland A 12

SHANE HORGAN will start Ireland A’s clash with England Saxons at Welford Road next Friday.

Irishmen Geordan Murphy will make his 50th Heineken Cup appearance for Leicester Tigers in their Heineken tussle with Leinster at The RDS on Saturday.

Sale Sharks wing Mark Cueto will return to action when England Saxons tackle Ireland A in Belfast on Friday night.

Declan Kidney has decided to stick with Mick O'Driscoll at blindside in preference to Anthony Foley for the crucial Heineken Cup tie against Leicester Tigers at Thomond Park on Saturday.

LEICESTER are hurtling towards a Pool Four decider against European champions Munster in Limerick tomorrow week, but they cannot allow such an enticing prospect to overshadow their Welford Road appointment with Cardiff Blues this afternoon (3pm, Sky Sports).

The Ireland Schools added the England Schools to the scalp of the French Schools at Templeville Road today before next week's Schoolboys International Champioship decider against the Wales Schools.