IRFU to confirm Gatland as coach

Almost three weeks after the conclusion of the Five Nations' Championship, it is expected that Warren Gatland will be formally installed as Irish coach until the conclusion of the 1999-2000 season either today or, at the outside, tomorrow.

An agreement between Gatland and the IRFU has been reached and signed. The New Zealander had initially been employed on a short-term basis for the last three matches of this year's Five Nations' championship, following the resignation of Brian Ashton.

Gatland is expected to have more selectorial control and input into player contracts and the structures of Irish rugby than his predecessors. Ironically, it is also believed that he will have a full-time personal assistant to carry out much of the administrative duties which, reputedly, contributed to Pat Whelan's departure as manager two days ago.

This in turn would reduce the burden on Whelan's successor, and should therefore make it more feasible for Donal Lenihan to assume the role, at least for the two-test, seven-match tour to South Africa which begins on May 31st.

Gatland's full-time move from director of rugby with Connacht to Irish coach will almost certainly precipitate the arrival of a similarly minded New Zealander to continue Gatland's outstanding work with the provincial side.

A long-awaited announcement from the IRFU regarding the cancellation of the Division Two game between Wanderers and Buccaneers a fortnight ago is also expected today.

Meanwhile, the Shannon and Garryowen selectors have both given a statement of faith in the starting XVs which initiated their respective semi-final victories last weekend by retaining the same side's for tomorrow's inaugural final of the AIB League at Lansdowne Road.

Shannon stick to the side which withstood a committed first-half display by St Mary's, which means frank McNamara holds off the challenge of Gavin Russell at scrum-half.

In announcing the same team which started their semi-final against Young Munster, Garryowen are confident that their number eight, David Wallace, will be fit despite being carried off toward the end of that game with a sprained ankle. Both clubs have still to announce the make-up of their replacements' bench.

During tomorrow's half-time interval, the IRFU will make a presentation to Ireland's respective Triple Crown winners this season, namely the Irish under-21 and Irish Universities squads, as well as the under-19 World Cup winners. UCC contributed 14 players to the three sides.

Ireland will be sending a team to the Benidorm Sevens tournament on May 23rd and 24th. The team, which will be announced later, will be managed by Alain Rolland and coached by Denis McBride.

The Moroccan national team, in preparation for the African qualifying rounds of the World Cup, will play each of the Irish provinces on dates to be finalised between August 8th and 19th next.

Shannon: Jason Hayes; J Lacey, P McMahon, R Ellison, A Thompson; J Galvin, F McNamara; M Horan, M McDermott, John Hayes, M Galwey, K Keane, A Quinlan, A Foley (capt), E Halvey.

Garryowen: D Crotty; J Clarke, K Keane (capt), J Brooks, K O'Riordan; B Everett, S McIvor; G Walsh, P Humphreys, P Spain, S Leahy, V Humphreys, P Hogan, D Wallace, A Bermingham.