European draw put back again

European Cup organisers have again deferred the publication of the draw for this year's competition, due to begin five weeks from today, this time until Monday so as to give the English clubs, as well as Swansea and Cardiff, further room for negotiation over the weekend.

Cardiff and Swansea, who are still hopeful of unofficially joining England's Allied Dunbar premiership fixture list, albeit through the medium of friendlies, have now been given until 1p.m. on Monday to sign loyalty agreements with the WRU.

There is also still hope that the English clubs might come back on board on the assumption that another hectic weekend of behind-the-scenes discussions will assuage them, although even the RFU yesterday accepted that the half-baked British league is a non-runner for this season.

Brian Baister, newly-elected chairman of the RFU management committee, met with WRU president Tasker Watkins yesterday to discuss the possibility of bringing the competition in for this season but the pair were forced to admit defeat because of "logistical and legal difficulties".

The RFU are now hoping to publish the Premier One fixtures in their original 14-club format but the situation in Wales is less clear, with their league season due to start a fortnight tomorrow.

The 26-year-old Irish flanker David Corkery has rejoined Cork Constitution after declaring his allegiance to Munster this season.