O’Driscoll’s Perpignan may meet Munster

PERPIGNAN’S Mick O’Driscoll may face an early reunion with his exformer Munster colleagues in the Heineken Cup.

Munster have been drawn alongside Gloucester, Bourgoin and Treviso for next year's tournament but the French side face the axe because of financial problems.

That would elevate Perpignan from their sixth-placed ranking in France to fifth, and give them a passport back into Europe's premier competition. Bourgoin still hold fifth place on the basis an appeal is pending, but the possibility remains that Perpignan might oust them.

The matter has not yet been considered by the Heineken Cup governing body ERC on the basis it is still an internal French matter and Bourgoin are about to appeal the FFR's decision.

The French dilemma could have a major bearing on the structure of the Heineken Cup next season but ERC would, in those circumstances, be within their rights to dictate a possible redraw.

Meanwhile, Christian Cullen will not be rushed into a decision on joining Munster, despite confidence in the province that they will get their man.

All Black star Cullen, culled from the current New Zealand squad, is keen to join one of the top sides in Europe but has some personal matters to attend to before making a final decision. A spokesman for the Munster side admitted yesterday: "It's still in the melting pot and the issue or issues may not be resolved for a few more days yet."

It has been revealed that Cullen is anxious to pursue a professional career in Ireland and is enthusiastic about joining Munster. Further

Munster sources suggested that he simply wants time to work out his personal affairs in New Zealand before he finally commits to Munster, probably for three years.

Next week, Munster and their sponsors Bank of Ireland will launch a new jersey/logo for the coming season but have promised not to enter into the realm of English football changes.

PRO Pat Geraghty said yesterday the new jersey would only be slightly different from the current strip.

"It's only a bit of fine tuning," he said.

But Geraghty also said it was unlikely a big-name signing would be present for the launch. "We have to be patient and wait for negotiations to be formally conducted with anyone for next year."

Meanwhile, Irish international Frank Sheahan is still finalising his defence over the charge he had taken illegal substances in the recent past. His legal representatives are believed to be asking for a second sample to be analysed in France this week.

He declined to comment on the progress of his case yesterday but did admit his time back in Ireland, instead of playing in Australia, Tonga and Samoa, had been used wisely.

He has just undergone minor surgery for a troublesome knee injury. "I'm feeling a bit tired at the moment after the keyhole surgery but I'm told the procedure went very well. Hopefully I will be back in full training within a fortnight," he said.