Leinster today named former Australia international Gary Ella as their new head coach in place of Matt Williams.

GARY ELLA, one of the three famous aboriginal brothers to have played for Australia, is expected to be named as Leinster coach today.

LEINSTER last night insisted they were within a few days of appointing a successor to Matt Williams after former England full-back Jon Callard turned down the opportunity to coach the province.

Former United States head coach Jack Clark has been interviewed for the post of rugby director at Bath.

Graham Henry today ended speculation linking him to Bath by signing an 18-month contract with the Auckland Rugby Union.

Bath have signed scrum-half Kevin Dalzell from Heineken Cup quarter-finalists, Montferrand until the end of the season.

Harlequins coach John Kingston believes Munster face a massive challenge in their next Heineken Cup match away to Castres next week.

London Irish winger Justin Bishop is aiming to push himself into the Six Nations frame over the Festive season.

Llanelli coach Gareth Jenkins will throw his men to the Tigers tomorrow, but insists: ‘‘We won’t be daunted by it.’’

Rugby League legend Ellery Hanley has thrown down the gauntlet to Bath’s Premiership flops as they prepare for a daunting Heineken Cup opener against Biarritz tomorrow.

Leicester boss Dean Richards today underlined the huge task faced by his trophy-hunting Tigers on their mission to make Heineken Cup history.

England suffered a double Six Nations injury scare when Mike Catt and Iain Balshaw both failed to last the distance in Bath's 38-10 Heineken Cup victory over Newport.