JAMES COUGHLAN is intent on helping Munster A enhance an unbeaten seasonal record when he captains the team in the opening clash of the new British and Irish Cup against English championship side Coventry at Butts Stadium, Coventry, tonight (7.45pm)

CIARÁN RUDDOCK has been installed as captain for the Ireland U20s’ pivotal Pool A clash against holders, New Zealand, in the world junior championships at Nagoya, Japan today (11am Irish time).

Coach Allen Clarke will have to plan without captain Peter O'Mahony, following a citing, when the Ireland U20s play New Zealand in their second Junior World Championship pool game in Nagoya on Tuesday evening (kick off: 11am Irish time).

Full-back Bryn Cunnigham will lead Ulster A out against Munster A, at Shaws Bridge, Belfast, on Friday (kick off 2.30pm).

The Ireland U-19 team will begin their international season this Saturday with a match against Italy in Malahide RFC, Dublin.