Staunton joins squad for Japan

JEREMY STAUNTON has a chance to salvage something from a troubled season following his late call-up for the Irish tour to Japan.

Staunton, who failed to save Harlequins from Zurich Premiership relegation, has been drafted into the national squad in place of Paddy Wallace.

Ulster fly-half Wallace will miss the three-week tour to the Far East after sustaining a hand injury in Friday's trial match in Dublin. The 25-year-old suffered a broken bone in his right hand just above the wrist.

The unlucky Wallace has seen his career stall on a number of occasions due to a series of injuries.

Seen as a possible replacement in Ulster when tour skipper David Humphreys finally hangs up his boots, Wallace suffered a broken leg against Swansea three seasons ago.

That saw him miss Ireland's World Cup qualifier against Russia and he has struggled to return to the squad. However, he is still highly rated by Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan and should feature in his plans for the 2006 Six Nations.

Wallace has won a number of Ireland 'A' caps. He made a 20-point contribution when the All Blacks played at Ravenhill in November 2001.

Staunton was also highly rated as a youngster and toured with Ireland to Australia in 1999. He made his mark after that when he helped Munster reach a first Heineken Cup final against Northampton in 2000. Sadly, his form has been inconsistent and he moved to Harlequins at the start of last season.

The London side needed to win the last match of the campaign to stay in the Premiership and the final chance of the match for victory fell to Staunton. The out half's penalty drifted narrowly wide, Harlequins went down and Staunton suffered the wrath of the home fans.