A blow to lose Maggs

RUGBY/NEWS: Mel Deane, the ex-Connacht centre now with Sale, and another forgotten figure, Justin Bishop of London Irish, have been called into Ireland's four-day get-together in Belfast this week in light of the injury crisis which is suddenly afflicting the inside centre position.

Kevin Maggs is almost certainly out for the remainder of the Six Nations championship after sustaining a broken arm in Bath's 27-9 defeat at home to Leicester on Saturday. Rob Henderson is not expected to be fully fit again in time for Saturday week's match at home to Italy while the incumbent A team inside centre Jason Holland is sidelined from the Belfast get-together due to a shoulder injury.

"I spoke to him (Maggs) this morning and he's going to his doctor for an update this evening," Irish manager Brian O'Brien said yesterday, confirming that the Irish centre had suffered "a break in the forearm. Unless there is a small miracle, he's out for the rest of the season. It's a shame, because he was on top of is game."

The loss of Maggs could undoubtedly be quite unsettling for the Irish team, all the more so as Henderson continues to be troubled by a groin strain.

"Hendo won't be joining us this week in Belfast," said O'Brien. "His injury looks like taking a while to come right."

Although Eddie O'Sullivan is clearly keen to look at his midfield options judging by the call-ups for Deane and Bishop, the likeliest alternative is for Shane Horgan to revert to centre and renew his midfield partnership with Brian O'Driscoll, and recall Tyrone Howe to the wing or promote Gordon D'Arcy from the A squad.

However, D'Arcy had to be withdrawn from the Belfast get-together due to an ankle injury, as did Henderson and Victor Costello (knee trouble) on Friday. So also has Holland after being named as an addition on Friday along with Jeremy Staunton and Andy Ward.

Keith Wood meanwhile is remaining with Harlequins this week in the hope of making a long-awaited comeback from the torn calf which has sidelined him for three months when his club entertain Newcastle next Saturday.

The Irish management will be aware of Wood's chances by the time they announce the 22-man squad on Thursday for the Italian game.