French test is key chance for Irish Lions hopefuls

IRELAND’s internationals will get a golden opportunity to state their case for a place on the British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand next summer when Clive Woodward joins up with Eddie O’Sullivan’s squad for the Six Nations game at home to France next March.

The Lions coach recently spent a week with Wales, Italy and France prior to their autumn international against the All-Blacks and plans to do likewise with Ireland and Scotland during next year’s Championship.

Woodward spent the last month following the Kiwis around on their European tour, spending time in their opponents’ camps as well as quizzing the likes of Australian coach Eddie Jones and his South African counterpart Jake White for tips.