DECLAN Kidney is now considered "a primary target" to replace Dean Richards as director of rugby at Leicester.

MUNSTER have suffered another injury blow ahead of the Heineken Cup with star signing, Christian Cullen diagnosed with a serious shoulder injury which could sideline him for up to eight weeks.

CONNACHT coach Michael Bradley has been forced to name a 25-strong squad for Saturday’s Celtic Cup semi-final against Edinburgh at the Sportsground in Galway (2pm).

NEW signings, Paul Steinmetz will make his first full start for Ulster in Friday’s Celtic Cup semi-final against Glasgow at Hughenden.

Scotland A 22 Ireland A 22

JONNY BELL is the latest Ulster casualty prior to Friday’s Celtic League game against Llanelli at Ravenhill.

JEREMY STAUNTON will be encouraged to make use of his pace in the wide, open spaces of Musgrave Park on Friday night.

NEW MUNSTER coach Alan Gaffney has no major injury worries other than long term injuries ahead of his side’s Celtic League opener against Llanelli on Saturday.

IRISH coach Eddie O'Sullivan has announced a squad of 51 players to travel to Spala in Poland today to take part in a two-week training camp which will last until Sunday August 4.