IRFU reward clubs, schools

The IRFU has announced the distribution of £125,000 in a new initiative designed to reward schools and clubs in nurturing and developing young players. The money is allocated to players who attain professional status.

Eddie Wigglesworth, the IRFU's Director of Rugby Development, pointed out: "The financial rewards are distributed on a one-off basis in respect of the input by schools and clubs into the development of players who advance to professional contract status with the provinces.

"The IRFU sees the initiative as an important element in the development of players from schools and clubs into the professional game and a vital link in the relationship between our professional teams and our club structure."

The reward for the Development Programme for the current season takes into account the 16 players offered IRFU contracts for the first time as a consequence of which 12 schools are in receipt of a total of £36,585 and 19 clubs receive sums totalling £88,992.

SCHOOLS

Campbell: P Wallace, £2,920; Castleknock: A McCullen, £3,500; Blackrock: D Quinlan, £3,150. CBC Cork: C Mahony, £3,500. Ard Scoil Ris: Paul O'Connell/P Neville, £6,033. Crescent: M Prendergast/E Reddan, £3,466. St Andrew's: P Bracken, £450. St Joseph's Galway: D Browne, £2,000. Clongowes: D Dillon/T Kearns, £4,600. Cistercian Roscrea: G Duffy £2,000. DLS Churchtown: D McCabe, £2,400. St Mary's: R McCormack, £2,566.

CLUBS

UCD: P Wallace/ D Dillon/ R McCormack, £14,566. Lansdowne: A McCullen, £5,200. Blackrock: D Quinlan, £5,850. Dolphin: C Mahony, £3,500. Cork Constitution: C Mahony, £2,500. Young Munster: M Prendergast/P O'Connell, £10,333. Garryowen: M Prendergast/P Neville, £5,333. Tullamore: P Bracken, £2,700. UL Bohemian: P Bracken, £1,350. Galwegians: P Bracken/D Browne/G Duffy, £13,498. Carlow: D Dillon, £366. Ballina: G Duffy, £330. Old Belvedere: T Kearns/D McCabe,£1,200. Clontarf: T Kearns, £4,400. St Mary's College: R McCormack/M McHugh, £4,366. Old Crescent: E Reddan/P Neville, £5,500. Boyne: M McHugh, £2,800. Dublin University: M McHugh, £1,200.

Rob Howley will lead the Barbarians in next month's clash against Australia at the Millennium Stadium.

Cardiff scrumhalf Howley, who won his 50th Welsh cap earlier this season, will lead a Barbarians side featuring star players from all parts of the globe.

Howley had an impressive record as Wales' leader before being replaced by David Young last year, and the Barbarians had no hesitation in offering him the job to tackle the world champions on November 28th.

French side AS Montferrand have been handed a suspended fine of £10,000 after home supporters attacked match officials at the end of their Heineken Cup match against Cardiff in October.