Ireland A’s Murphy forced to withdraw

PREMIER RUGBY has flexed its muscles to deny Ireland access to Leicester winger Johne Murphy for tomorrow’s A game against England Saxons in Bath (2 pm).

Murphy was an original selection in the Irish squad following discussions and agreement with his club but he had to be withdrawn on the insistence of Premier Rugby whose only agreement for the use of players on occasions outside of dedicated international weekends is with the English RFU.

While Ireland has had to exclude Murphy, the Saxons squad includes two Leicester representatives, Ben Youngs and Geoff Parlings, from a selection made completely from Premiership clubs.

Murphy has now been re-diverted by his club into the squad that played Bath in the Anglo Welsh Cup last night.

Yet, the IRFU have maintained a dignified silence on the issue and have concentrated on dealing with other issues – the replacement of injured Denis Hurley with Gavin Duffy – and on preparations for a game seen by all as crucial in the build-up to the upcoming RBS Six Nations.

Of far more importance to national coach Declan Kidney will be the performance of Marcus Horan and Rory Best in the front-row as they make their long-awaited international returns from illness and injury respectively.

Of further interest will be the fact that Paddy Wallace teams up with Peter Stringer at half back, leaving Ian Humphreys to settle for a place on the bench. Clearly, Kidney still has strong views that Wallace offers a considerable option as back up number 10 in the Irish squad that hosts just two fly halves, Ronan O’Gara and Jonathan Sexton.

Meanwhile, Shane Geraghty will start at fly-half for the Saxons alongside Leicester’s Youngs. The Saxons are without Danny Cipriani due to a family bereavement. Having lost to Ireland in the final of the Churchill Cup in June, the Saxons are itching for revenge.

Coach Stuart Lancaster said he was particularly keen for a good show and believes it will happen: “We are really looking forward to Sunday. We have a young squad full of quality players and a good mix of experience. I’m sure they will rise to challenging Ireland.”