Although the IRFU have fought manfully to hold on to their frontline Test players, the steady trickle abroad from the tier of relatively young professional players below Test level looks set to continue with the impending departure of Connacht lock Damien Browne to Northampton.

As with the loss of Gavin Duffy and other up-and-coming Connacht players last season, it must be particularly disappointing for the western province to lose indigenous players. On wonders if the comparatively tighter purse strings imposed by the IRFU and relative lack of long-term commitment leaves Connacht more vulnerable to this kind of raid, although at least Browne's departure would not appear to precipitate the exodus of a year ago from the province.

"While we are very disappointed to lose Damien, we would wish him all the best," said Connacht coach Michael Bradley yesterday. "Damien has been five years with Connacht. He's very popular here and he will be sorely missed."

Bradley said the departure of the 23-year-old Browne had as much to do with the prospect of a "different challenge" as with the attractive financial package offered by the outgoing Ulster coach Alan Solomons, who is also bringing his assistant, Adrian Kennedy, and prop Robbie Kempson to Franklin's Gardens.

At 6 ft 6 in and 19 st 5 lb, Browne becomes the biggest member of Northampton's squad and will arrive for pre-season training over the summer. "Damien has the physique and athleticism to compete in the Premiership where a powerful front five is so important," said Steele.

Meanwhile, Bradley will be picking from a full-strength squad for the first leg of their Parker Pen European Challenge Cup semi-final against Harlequins next Sunday when he announces his side on Thursday.

With Ronan O'Gara expected to be passed fit, Alan Gaffney will be doing likewise when, tomorrow, he announces his side for the European Cup quarter-final against Stade Francais at Thomond Park on Saturday.

Ireland's defensive strategist Mike Ford will join the Saracens coaching staff next season. Ford will still serve as Ireland's defensive coordinator but will be on duty for Saracens when there is a break in the international schedule.