Lenihan: Six Nations axe won’t affect Lions hopes

Lions manager Donal Lenihan last night pledged that Ireland’s tour hopefuls won’t suffer as a result of last night’s dramatic decision to postpone the Six Nations Championship until next season.

Lenihan, along with coach Graham Henry, already anticipated the international season would not be completed because of the on-going foot and mouth crisis.

And last night Six Nations organisers took the unprecedented step of cancelling the remainder of Ireland’s fixtures after heeding the advice of government officials.

Lenihan already announced his intention of watching Munster take on the Rest of Ireland in Limerick on April 13 and the province’s meeting with Stade Francais in the semi final of the Heineken European Cup in Lille on April 21 before the 37 man squad is announced the following Tuesday.

“There was never any real chance of us delaying it further unless Ireland had played England the following week. It would have been nice to see Ireland take on Wales and watch how the front row battle went but it was not to be.

“In fairness, however, we have done a lot of work over the last 12 months, watched a lot of matches and players in different circumstances so I don’t think we or they will be at a disadvantage. One or two players might lose out at the end of the day but one or two might make it as a result of not playing.”

“I wouldn’t say that selections hinge on Munster’s performance against Stade Francais because of the background work that has been done. But it could be a help to us in the final selection.” A statement from the Six Nations Committee last night said: ‘‘A meeting of the Six Nations Committee was held this evening to discuss the current status of the foot and mouth epidemic and its effect on the Lloyds TSB Six Nations Championship.

‘‘After reviewing the current position and the likely prognosis for the foreseeable future it has been unanimously decided that the following matches will be postponed until the commencement of next season: Wales v Ireland, Ireland v England and Scotland v Ireland.

‘‘The committee confirms that England v France will take place on Saturday, April 7 and Italy v Wales on April 8.’’

Irish coach Warren Gatland was disappointed but accepted the decision as rational. “The good news is that the tournament will eventually be completed. It will provide us with another challenge for the autumn.”

IRFU spokesman John Redmond believes the delay won’t impinge on the proposed Celtic League.

“All the provinces have squads of 30 players and it will enable coaches to fully utilise their players.”