In the line of friendly fire

Sean Nicholson and David Hobbs know each other from their schooldays and have played together for Ashton, Munster and Ireland. Today they put their friendship aside as their clubs, Harlequins and Church of Ireland, face-off in the Irish Senior Cup quarter-final. Declan Colley reports.

SEAN NICHOLSON’s call-up to the Irish squad to play in a quadrangular tournament in Egypt later this month should have been the occasion for celebration for the 23-year-old Harlequins player, but he’s had a lot on his mind. Well actually, he’s only had one thing on his mind, but it’s been enough to hone his focus.

Any game against old rivals Church of Ireland is a big one for “Quins” players, but a cup quarter-final and the year-long bragging rights is one none of the players want to miss.