Quinlan returns as cover for Costello

IRELAND coach Eddie O’Sullivan has recalled Munster’s Alan Quinlan as cover in the back-row after Victor Costello was forced to pull out of Ireland’s preparations for the upcoming Autumn internationals.

Costello picked up a rib injury during Leinster’s weekend Heineken Cup win over Bath and Quinlan has been drafted in as a precaution.

Ulster’s plans to sign former Swansea and Harlequins flanker Tu Tamarua on a short-term contract have fallen through after the Australian failed a stringent medical, set down under strict guidelines by the Ulster Branch.

It was expected that Tamarua would go straight into the team for the Celtic League game against Munster on Saturday, but the back-row player was unable to complete certain aspects of the test.

Meanwhile, the IRFU has announced more than €90,000 in payments to clubs and schools as part of its rewards programme for the development of professional players.

The programme is aimed at rewarding schools and clubs for nurturing the talent of players who are now part of the professional system with the Irish provinces.

The selected players represent a cross section from all four provinces and include 20 schools and clubs which have been involved in the development of players during their career.

The following are the players’ schools and clubs selected as part of the rewards programme (school in brackets).

Recipients: Roger Wilson (Inchmarlo, RBAI); David Blaney (Terenure College), Brendan Burke (Barnhall); Shane Jennings (St Mary’s College); Adrian Clarke (ALSA, Clontarf), John O’Sullivan (Newbridge College and Tralee); Conor O’Loughlin (Marist Col. Athlone), Conor McPhilips (Templeogue College); Maurice Lawler (Ard Scoil Rís).