Boost for Lansdowne as McQuilkin returns

Lansdowne make three changes to the team thrashed by Clontarf for Shannon's visit to Lansdowne Road on Saturday. Former Ireland international and Leinster captain Kurt McQuilkin returns to bolster the midfield defence. Brian Glennon moves to the left wing in place of the injured Melvin McNamara.

Angus McKeen's return after a lengthy absence will add much needed stability and experience to the scrum. Enda Bohan moves across to loose-head, with Warren O'Kelly the player to lose out. New Zealand flanker Anton Forde is injured, so Perry Mandell comes into the back row.

The Limerick club are awaiting reports on a number of bumps and bruises, the most serious of which is a swollen knee: right wing John Lacey is optimistic that he will be available. Eddie Halvey is suffering from a chest infection, but is unlikely to miss out.

Old Belvedere continue their crusade for a first victory, but must do so without Leinster centre Martin Ridge, whose back injury keeps him on the sidelines. Captain, Hugh McDonnell has recovered from injury and takes his place in the second row. Neil Francis, who came on as a replacement against Blackrock, could be on bench duty again.

Dolphin welcome back second row John Forde for the visit of Dungannon to Musgrave Park. He replaces Hugh Farrelly, with Barry O'Neill preferred to Mick O'Donovan on the left wing.

Injury concerns surrounding the availability of number eight Steve Jackson and Terry Kingston were dispelled at training.

In Divison Two, Skerries have made three changes and one positional switch from the side defeated by Bective Rangers for their clash with UCC at Holmpatrick. Alan O'Sullivan replaces brother Dermot (ill) in the centre, while the other alterations are in the pack.

Eoin Donnelly takes over from Brian O'Connor at lock, Tony Giles joins him in the second row having played at number eight last week and this time, it is the turn of Brian Higgins to anchor the back row. Gerard Clarke replaces Conor McNally at open-side flanker.

Wanderers have named an unchanged side from that which beat Malone for their game with Instonians.

Jonathan Bell is out of Ireland's opening game in the Five Nations it was confirmed yesterday.

The Northampton centre damaged medial ligaments after coming on as a replacement in Northampton's 30-5 victory at Harlequins last weekend. He is walking on crutches and expects to be out for at least three weeks.

Millionaire rugby boss Nigel Wray said Saracens would be searching "far and wide" for a big-name replacement after Australian out-half Michael Lynagh confirmed yesterday he was retiring at the end of the season.