O’Driscoll centre of IRFU attention

IRISH captain Brian O’Driscoll is to meet with the Irish Rugby Football Union today to discuss his future.

O’Driscoll has been linked with a number of overseas clubs, particularly in England and France, but could thrash out a new financial deal with the IRFU today.

Speculation last week centred around O’Driscoll’s apparent demands for a financial package exceeding €350,000 to move to France.

A couple of French clubs, who initially showed interest in his signature, denied any firm offer and suggested anything more than €200,000 would be beyond the reach of most clubs.

However, it’s believed that one overseas club remains interested.

Today’s meeting with the IRFU could be critical in terms of keeping Irish players at home over the coming seasons.

Meanwhile, St Mary’s College announced yesterday that former players Stephen Hennessy and Peter Smyth have been appointed coaches to the club, succeeding Brent Pope.

Hennessy is a former captain and coach of the club and helped bring the club to the AIL semi-final in 1999.

Smyth is also a former captain and Leinster player, and both are well- known and respected in rugby circles.

The two have been involved in recent years with U20 rugby and see these players very much as the future of the club.

They are looking forward to helping the young players achieve the best for St Mary’s, following Pope’s announcement of his departure.

Commenting on the appointment, St Mary’s President Ossie Fogarty said: “I am extremely pleased that Steve and Peter are coming on board to help rejuvenate the club and get it back to its rightful place in the first division of the All-Ireland League.”

He added: “All of us in St Mary’s offer them our unstinting support and wish them every success in their endeavours.”