AS SURE as night follows day, rugby players retire and fresh talent emerges. I was extremely fortunate to kickstart my international career in the company of some of the greats of Irish rugby including Moss Keane, Fergus Slattery, Willie Duggan and Ollie Campbell.

Frankie Sheahan makes his return to the red of Munster for the first time since last October for the Henieken Cup champions' pre-seasoin friendly against Leicester Tigers at Musgrave Park this evening (7.0).

IF CLARE hurling was haunted by the curse of Biddy Earley for years, one wonders what external forces are contriving to deprive Munster of European Cup success.

The Ireland Under 21 team to play Scotland Under 21 in the final game of the Six Nations series shows two changes from the team that beat Italy Under 21 in Thomond Park last Friday.

The Ireland Under 21 team to play the Italy Under 21 side in Thomond Park on Friday next (Kick off 7.30pm) shows four changes from the side that lost to England 27-19.