Cork Con add to mounting support for Sheahan

SUPPORT for banned Irish rugby international Frank Sheahan mounted yesterday when his club called for full clarification on the use of asthma inhalers.

Cork Constitution president Billy Dowling, on behalf of the club’s executive committee, urged both the Irish Rugby Football Union and the Irish Sports Council to clarify their position at the earliest opportunity.

“We wish Frankie Sheahan every success in his forthcoming appeal before the ERC,” a club statement said. “Frankie has been with the club from underage level and is one of our most respected and popular members. We know him to be an honest individual in his dealings with the club over many years, and we are particularly pleased to see that he has received huge support in his current dilemma from a variety of sources.

“We are pleased to be able to state he also continues to receive massive support from members and particularly playing members at this time.

“We hope that for the sake of all asthmatics involved in sport and particularly those involved in the game of rugby football that his good name will be vindicated.

“We further hope that the position with regard to the use of inhalers by all sportsmen and women alike will be clarified.

“We would urge both the IRFU and the Irish Sports Council to clarify their position in this regard at the earliest opportunity.

“We would not wish for anyone who is obliged to use inhalers to have to endure the appalling circumstances which Frankie Sheahan and his family now find themselves in.”

As Sheahan waits for his appeal to be heard, action in the southern hemisphere hots up this weekend when world champions Australia take on Tri Nations champions New Zealand in the first of two Bledisloe Cup clashes in Sydney.

The Australians have been boosted by the return of George Smith who has been named at blindside flanker. It is his first game for the Wallabies since damaging a nerve in the neck and shoulder region in the opening test of the season against Ireland in Perth.

Smith has, however, failed to dislodge Phil Waugh from the number seven position. Coach Eddie Jones said: “It's a tribute to how well Phil Waugh is playing at the moment but George is one of those players who can play anywhere in the back row.

“Our Super 12 analysis showed us he was second behind Toutai Kefu as one of the most effective ball running forwards in the competition.”

Stephen Larkham moves back into the starting side at fly-half with Elton Flatley sliding out to inside centre, pushing Steve Kefu onto the bench. Matthew Burke retains his place at full-back while Chris Latham returns on the bench.

“We believe Burke deserves another shot at full-back but it’s good to see Latham back in the 22 as he's worked extremely hard at training and his attitude has been great.”

AUSTRALIA: M Burke, W Sailor, M Rogers, E Flatley, L Tuqiri, S Larkham, G Gregan (captain), B Young, B Cannon, P Noriega, D Giffin, D Vickerman, G Smith, T Kefu, P Waugh.

Replacements: A Freier, B Darwin, N Sharpe, O Finegan, C Whitaker, S Kefu, C Latham.