Sweden coach Lars Lagerback has confirmed he will pick the strongest squad available ahead of the March 1 clash with the Republic of Ireland at Lansdowne Road, Dublin.

Roy Keane has returned to the Republic of Ireland squad for the forthcoming crunch World Cup qualifying showdown against France at Lansdowne Road on September 7.

English champions Wasps are ready for the biggest game in their history on Sunday as they chase European rugby’s ultimate knockout prize.

MUNSTER coach Alan Gaffney is taking no chances with most of his star players in advance of the Heineken Cup semi final with Wasps.

Jean-Pierre Lux has been elected for a record third term of office as chairman of ERC. Mr Lux was unopposed after being invited by the ERC Board of Directors to continue in his role for a further two years.

Birmingham City skipper Jeff Kenna has been recalled to the Republic of Ireland squad for the vital Group 10 European Championship qualifier against Switzerland at Lansdowne Road on October 16.

Northern Ireland Secretary John Reid paused briefly from monitoring Ulster peace process developments around the clock today - for strictly sporting reasons.

The Republic of Ireland squad to meet Andorra in the World Cup qualifying Group Two tie at Lansdowne Road, Dublin next Wednesday is as follows:

Ireland’s Six Nations rugby union fixtures with England and Scotland were called off Tuesday night because of the foot and mouth crisis.