IRELAND outside half David Humphreys, who was due to captain Ireland in the Students Worlds Cup in South Africa this summer, has withdrawn from the squad on the advice of Ireland manager Pat Whelan.

Humphreys spoke to Whelan over the weekend and, following that conversation, decided to withdraw from the Students squad.

Whelan said yesterday: "I did not order David Humphreys to withdraw but he approached me on the matter and my advice to him was that I believe it would be in his best interests not to go to South Africa. We are planning an intensive physical fitness programme during the summer and I told David I believe he would benefit from participation in that. I would offer the same advice to any member of the Ireland squad chosen for South Africa if they ask me. Had I been consulted on the subject prior to the selection of the squad that is the advice I would have given."

Following Humphreys' decision it must raise doubts about the availability of Jeremy Davidson and Shane Byrne for the Students World Cup. Anthony Foley, who is also due to go to South Africa, was not a member of the Ireland squad this season. He was injured and missed the interprovincial series. But he played in Ireland's A internationals. as did Byrne.

Meanwhile Ireland number eight Victor Costello is yet another Irish target among several others for English league clubs. First division side Orrell are anxious to add Costello to their playing staff next season and are making attempts to put him under contract.

Costello, currently recovering from a head wound sustained last Saturday playing for his club, St Mary's against Garryowen, confirmed yesterday that he has spoke to the English club. "I have bee approached by Orrell and have spoken to representatives from the club. But I have made no decision and do not intend to make one until I see what happens in relation to the proposed IRFU contracts. I am adopting a policy of wait and see."

Like several other Irish players' who have been pursued by English clubs, Costello, understandably, would prefer to stay at home if the terms of the IRFU contract - and he is certain to be among the players offered a contract - are appealing enough.

In that regard it would be in everyone's best interests were the IRFU to finalise the terms of the contracts and announce the names of the players to whom contracts are being offered as soon as possible. That will enable players and their Irish clubs to know exactly where they stand.

On that issue IRFU secretary Philip Browne said yesterday: " We understand the nature of the situation, but it would be in the best interests of any player who is offered a contract, or is considering signing such a contract with an English club, to telephone me or contact the Ireland manager Pat Whelan before he makes any commitment."

Browne also stated that it is very likely that the IRFU will call another meeting with the senior clubs in the near future. But he reiterated the previously stated policy that there will not be a meeting with first division clubs as requested by some of those clubs. "Anything we have to say will be said openly to all our senior clubs. That has been our policy and continues to be."

Meanwhile speculation continues apace on the television rights for the Five Nations Championship and indeed television is also a big factor in the European debate. We may also be more enlightened later this week on what is available through television for European competition. There are also suggestions now that Sky Television may offer individual contracts to each of the home unions for the rights to their Five Nations Championship matches. Meetings, official and unofficial, seem to be the normal procedure in rugby these days.

Canada a4e again considering making an application for entry to the Five Nations Championship in 1997. This was confirmed yesterday by Rugby Canada official John Billingsley. He said that if England do not participate Canada would be very ready to take their place. The Canada captain Gareth Rees greeted the suggestion with immense enthusiasm.

Soundings about possible Canadian participation in the five nations series are not new but obviously the Canadians now see another possible opportunity on the horizon. Their desire to enter has also been given added impetus by the cancellation of the proposed Pan Pacific tournament. Fiji, Western Samoa and Tonga had been due to participate in that with Canada, the United States, Japan and Argentina.