Leinster step in to fill gap in Wales international weekend

Leinster are set to announce an attractive representative fixture on the eve of Ireland's Five Nations Championship match against Wales at Lansdowne Road on March 21st.

They have agreed a match with a Welsh Crawshay's XV on the Friday evening, most probably under lights, at Donnybrook. The A international, which usually takes place at that venue on the day before a home Five Nations match, has been allocated to Thomond Park in Limerick for that particular weekend.

Demands on personnel made by the Senior, A and Under-21 matches have ensured that Leinster will field a Development XV, but one which is likely to include players of the calibre of Nicky Assaf, Derek Hegarty, Garth Gannon and Peter McKenna. Welsh coach Kevin Bowring has specifically requested that certain players be included in the Crawshay's side, guaranteeing a strong visiting line-up.

It is an enterprising undertaking on Leinster's part, given the gap in the market for that particular evening, and one which should attract those who can not make the A international in Limerick.

Meanwhile, in the AIB League Division One, Old Belvedere once again find themselves in a precarious situation because of injuries and representative commitments. Captain Hugh McDonnell is out for the rest of the season with a knee injury, hooker Jonathon Mion is ill, while Steve Walsh is on duty with the Irish Under-19 team.

Neil Francis (knee) is also unavailable. Their New Zealand coach, Stephen Dods, is in the front row for the crucial clash with Old Crescent.

Terenure have decided to delay announcing their pack for the game against Young Munster. Wanderers, too, have postponed selection, although their quandary relates to a flu bug.

Skerries make three changes from the Buccaneer match for their clash with leaders Galwegians. Gareth Earley comes into the centre, Alan O'Sullivan at scrum-half and Leinster interprovincial David O'Sullivan at openside. Gerard Clarke reverts to the other side of the backrow.

The Kevin Yates ear-biting affair doesn't seem to have damaged Bath's commercial image: yesterday they announced a three-year sponsorship deal with Adidas worth an estimated £4.5 million from replica kit sales alone.