Simon Filgas, the Pembroke Wanderers coach and assistant to John Clarke at national level, is also taking charge of the Leinster squad. He has switched from his Munster post to guide his home province in a caretaker role while Aidan Kidney takes time out.

During the summer, Kidney had directed the strong panel which lost only 1-0 to Japan and drew 2-2 with the Irish squad, so Filgas has only to hone the team for next month's interprovincial championship.

There is a possibility that one or two players may make a late claim for consideration in this weekend's league programme, and there will be the ongoing question as to how many Pembroke representatives will be included - certainly at least half the 16.

Tomorrow Pembroke are bound to score handsomely against Clontarf at Glasnevin, while Avoca will have an interesting exercise in trying to contain Railway Union in the most inviting match of the day at Park Avenue.

Glenanne will want to make an impression against YMCA at Ballinteer but, like last season, the Tallaght side may need more time in the season before they reach their best. Stephen Butler will probably be on the bench and may come on at some stage.

Also in tomorrow's diary is the last AGM of the Irish Hockey Union before the merger in May with the ILHU.