YOU could never compare a hooker’s tale to a Cinderella story, but Shane Byrne’s journey from Leinster journeyman to a Lions Test cap comes pretty close.

Former Ireland hooker Ross Nesdale has been appointed as Newcastle Falcon's forwards coach.

Emmet Byrne has pulled out of the Ireland squad for the Six Nations match against Wales with a shoulder injury.

Eric Miller yesterday received a double bonus when he was selected on the Ireland A squad to meet Wales A next week, a couple of hours before being named on the preliminary Lions squad of 67 players to tour Australia this summer.

Declan Kidney has announced four changes for the Ireland 'A' match against Wales 'A' on March 2.