Given Irish rugby's recent problem with scoring, it is heartening to see a number of international players figuring in the European Cup and Shield scoring lists. The official table currently places Galwegians and Connacht's Eric Elwood in fifth place with 51 points from his boot, while Conor O'Shea is second in the table for tries, with five so far in the competition playing for London Irish.

In the European Cup Munster kicker Ronan O'Gara is fifth on the points list with Irish hooker Keith Wood lying in joint third place with 11 other players who have score three tries so far from four matches.