Warren Gatland will formally link up with his new charges at Wasps on Saturday prior to their English Premiership game away to Newcastle on Sunday before returning for his first hands-on involvement the following week as the London club's new forwards' coach.

The recently-removed Irish coach has just returned from a six-week break in New Zealand and commented: "I feel refreshed and I'm really looking forward to getting back to work. It will be nice to have a completely new challenge and to be back on the training ground."

The IRFU yesterday announced that it has relaunched its website (www.irishrugby.ie) which has been redesigned by the leading technology and business design firm, Vision Consulting. The site will soon be augmented by the rollout of additional websites in the form of Leinsterrugby.ie; Ulsterrugby.ie and Connachtrugby.ie.

Edited by Pat Geraghty, www.irishrugby.ie has appointed the Irish international and Munster flanker David Wallace as "writer in residence", with regular input from other internationals as well.

The site promises training, dietary and fitness programmes and interviews with players as well as information on team selections.