IRFU offers grant aid to lure fans into Aviva

The IRFU is to provide clubs with up to €400 in grant aid to encourage them travel to the Aviva Stadium for the World Cup warm-ups with Scotland and Wales in August.

The offer, open to groups of adults as well as groups of adults and kids, is available by informing the IRFU of an intention to travel to either or both of the Guinness Summer Series matches in a group of 45 or more.

IRFU Commercial and Marketing Director, Padraig Power said: “Last season a host of clubs took up this offer for the Guinness Series clash against Georgia which saw over 40,000 supporters take their seats at the Aviva Stadium for Ireland’s 49-7 victory.

“The coach fund significantly reduces the cost of transport when supporting the national team.

“All clubs have to do to secure this coach-hire payment is advise us of their arrangements and bring at least 45 people along to support the national team before they head off to the Rugby World Cup in England.”

Meanwhile, Liam Williams faces a World Cup fitness battle after undergoing foot surgery.

The Scarlets back-three star has been retained in Wales’ World Cup camp, but there is no timescale yet on his recovery.

Williams dislodged wing Alex Cuthbert in Wales’ RBS 6 Nations starting line-up, but is equally adept at full-back.

Head coach Gatland will be at pains to allow the 23-cap star as much opportunity to recover as possible, with versatility vital in final 31-man World Cup squads.

Wales must already do without centre Jonathan Davies, who will miss the entire tournament with knee ligament damage.

Wales are already into the second week of their early World Cup preparations, at their Vale Resort base near Cardiff.

Former England centre Anthony Allen has been forced to retire “at the peak of his career” aged just 28 after long-running knee problems.

The ex-Gloucester midfielder made 124 appearances for Leicester after making the switch from Kingsholm in 2009.

Cardiff Blues forwards coach Dale McIntosh has left the region following Danny Wilson’s appointment as head coach.

The Welsh outfit announced the news on their official website and McIntosh, who joined the region on a full-time basis in October 2013, leaves with immediate effect.

Blues chief executive Richard Holland said: “Dale has stepped up twice, alongside Paul John, to lead the region during transitional periods at the end of the last two seasons and so we thank him for his dedication and unwavering commitment to the role.

“Danny is looking at the make-up and dynamic of the coaching team he wants to take us forward over the coming years and further announcements will be made in due course.” New Zealand-born McIntosh was capped by Wales in the mid-1990s after settling in the country and both played and coached at Pontypridd RFC.

McIntosh, a Welsh Rugby Union performance skills coach, said: “I leave with a lot of fond memories and life-changing experiences.

“The only regret I have is not being able to help the region to be more successful in achieving European Champions Cup status.”

Wasps have signed back-row forward Alex Rieder from Rotherham Titans, taking their tally of new arrivals to 10 for next season.

Rotherham’s player of the season was selected in the Championship Dream Team for 2014-15, and will further boost Wasps’ back-row resources.

Rieder’s signature follows quickly on from Wasps snapping up prop James Johnston from Saracens.