BRIAN CUSACK, the Ireland under 21 and Development team second row forward, now with Bath, has joined the Ireland squad that arrived in the Algarve yesterday afternoon for winter heat training. Cusack was brought in as a replacement for the London Irish second row Malcolm O'Kelly, who had to withdraw because of a broken ankle sustained last week. O'Kelly has undergone an operation and now faces a protracted period out of the game.

It was a depleted Ireland squad that arrived in the Algarve after a flight delayed for an hour. Second row Gabriel Fulcher and prop Henry Hurley were unable to travel with the party because of passport problems. Fulcher mislaid, his passport and Hurley travelled to London without his passport. Consequently both were unable to board the flight from London.

Attempts were being made yesterday to resolve the passport problems so that Fulcher and Hurley could fly out last night with the Bristol pair Paul Burke and David Corkery. Burke and Corkery were unable to travel yesterday morning as they had been required by their club for a scheduled league match against Gloucester yesterday afternoon. However that match was postponed because of ground conditions.

"It was unfortunate about the passport problems, but it was not possible for the players to get on the flight without the passports," said a disappointed Ireland manager Pat Whelan yesterday afternoon as he watched his players training. What Whelan may have said to the two players privately is another matter. He certainly has reason to be very annoyed at such a lapse from professional rugby players.

The Ireland team to meet Italy at Lansdowne Road next Saturday will be chosen late this afternoon, following Ireland's second training session of the day, and is due to be announced tonight.