Richardt Strauss tried hisbest to stay on message and turn the attention to Aironi yesterday but even the tight-lipped South African couldn’t prevent the conversation from zeroing in on his imminent eligibility for Ireland.

With Sunday’s re-scheduled Six Nations clash away to France set to rule out a large number of Ireland players, Leinster at least look likely to be able to call upon Luke Fitzgerald after his return to full training last week.

The RaboDirect PRO12 round 14 game between Aironi and Munster originally scheduled for Sunday, February 12 has been postponed due to adverse weather conditions.

Munster’s hopes of holding a camp in Italy on Sunday have gone by the wayside after their game against Aironi was called off yesterday because of the freezing weather.

Aironi 20 Connacht 6

CONNACHT bid to end a miserable run of form away to Aironi this afternoon.

Luke Fitzgerald hasn’t recovered from the knee injury sustained last weekend against the Ospreys in time to make Leinster’s match day 23 for their home encounter with the Dragons tomorrow night (KO 7.35pm).

Ulster coach Brian McLaughlin has today named a 28-man preliminary squad for the weekend's PRO12 clash with Aironi.

Connacht coach Eric Elwood has named his side for Saturday’s Magners League match against Aironi at the Stadio Zaffanella, kick-off 4.30pm.

Aironi 10 Munster 20

Munster coach Tony McGahan has named his side for Sunday’s Magners League match away to Aironi at the Stadio Zaffanella, kick-off 2.00pm.