RUGBY: The Celtic League board of directors have reaffirmed their desire to press ahead with the recently agreed format for a 20-match, home-and-way league held over 22 weekends next season, following their meeting in Bristol on Wednesday, reports Gerry Thornley.

This would seem to make the possibility of a new, early-season competition involving the nine Currie Cup teams in South Africa along with the top four sides from the Italian championship logistically less plausible, and likewise the Italians' desire to take part in an expanded Celtic League.

However, the Celtic League's tournament director, David Jordan, didn't rule out these possibilities entirely yesterday.

"The board have agreed to sign the Celtic Accord," he said. "We can still look at other options, but that will be done collectively. Anything else will only happen if all three countries agree to it."

TENNIS: The Fitzwilliam LTC will stage an international series of matches at the club this weekend, reports Pat Roche. The event will mark the start of the Dublin LT Council's summer leagues.

Some of Sweden's top-ranked teenagers, along with seasoned satellite tour players from Real club de Tennis Barcelona, will participate.

The series, to be held over two days beginning this morning at 9am at the Appian Way club, will feature the famed Stockholm club, Kungliga, and the Fitzwilliam Cup will be presented to the winners. Two teams from the host club will get the chance to play against top teen prospects from Sweden and Spain.

Each participating team are members of the Worldwide Centenary Clubs Association.

ATHLETICS: The Athletics Association of Ireland has appointed Gary Owens as interim manager in developing the future strategy of the organisation.

Owens, of Rainmaker Business Catalysts, was responsible as managing director for the successful integration of four companies in Hibernian Insurance in 2000.