European showpiece for Dublin

NEWS ROUND-UP: The Irish provinces have been given additional incentive to progress to the knockout stages of this season's Heineken Cup after it was confirmed yesterday that the May 24th final will be held in Lansdowne Road.

The old ground has already held one of the previous seven deciders, when an Ulster side captained by David Humphreys beat Colomiers 21-6 on January 30th, 1999, in front of a capacity 49,500 crowd. It was a memorable occasion, if not so much a memorable match.

Jean-Pierre Lux, chairman of ERC, made the announcement yesterday at the official launch of the tournament, which was held in Welford Road, home of reigning two-time champions Leicester.

"We are delighted to announce that Dublin will host the 2003 Heineken Cup final," he said. "In confirming the venue before the pool stages of the tournament get under way on October 11th it means everyone knows where European club rugby's 2002/ 2003 showpiece occasion will be staged - from today all Heineken Cup roads lead to the Irish capital."

Referring to the final four seasons ago, Lux added: "In 1999 it was a magnificent, vibrant and special occasion and everyone is looking forward to a repeat of that on May 24th, 2003."

The news is also a shot in the arm for the IRFU after recent disappointments regarding stadiums. Philip Browne, the union's chief executive, commented: "It is fantastic news that Dublin will host the 2003 Heineken Cup final, which is sure to be a magnificent rugby weekend and memorable occasion. Such a high-profile event is an excellent opportunity both to promote the game in Ireland and the country itself."

Meanwhile, the weekend's World Cup qualifying results have helped to clarify the picture regarding next year's finals in Australia, with Ireland's group schedule now much nearer confirmation.

Ireland will now face Australia and Argentina, as well as 'Europe 4" which will be the winners of next Saturday's qualifier between Romania and Spain. Given Romania will be at home and ran the Italians quite close on Saturday after the latter's rout of Spain in Valladolid the previous week, the likelihood is that it will be the Romanians.

The final piece in the Pool A jigsaw will be completed on Saturday week when Tunisia host Namibia in the second leg of their finely balanced home-and-away African qualifier. Namibia won last Saturday's first leg 26-19 over in Windhoek.

Italy, meantime, will face New Zealand, Wales, Canada and a repechage qualifier in their Pool D. Georgia will host Russia on October 13th with the winner of that match to claim the Europe 3 position alongside South Africa, England, Samoa and Uruguay. In Pool 2, France, Scotland, Fiji and Japan will be joined by one of the repechage qualifiers.

Ireland's itinerary for the pool stages in Australia therefore is: Saturday 11th October: v Europe 4 (Romania or Spain) at North Power Stadium, Gosford; Sunday October 19th: v Africa 1 (Namibia or Tunisia) at Aussie Stadium, Sydney; Sunday 26th October: v Argentina at Adelaide Oval, Adelaide. Saturday 1st November: v Australia at Docklands Stadium, Melbourne.

The IRFU has confirmed that Michael Bradley will coach the Irish under-21s for the season ahead, with Mark McDermott as assistant coach and David Haslett as manager.

Roger Pickering, the chief executive of the Six Nations and British Lions Ltd, and formerly tournament director of European Rugby Cup, yesterday announced his decision to leave his position in Dublin.

Pickering was a key figure in the development of the Heineken Cup and European Shield, played a major role in the organisation of the Lions Tour to Australia in 2001 which was the first to make a profit, and was heavily involved last year in steering the Six Nations championship through the foot and mouth crisis.

"Over six years at the 'coal face' during rugby's most turbulent times ever is enough for anyone, and it is time for a change. My wife and I plan to return to the UK and I look forward to furthering my career either within or outside the game," said Pickering.