Munster pick strong squad for RDS

IN WHAT may well prove a statement of intent, Munster yesterday announced the same squad of 27 who were on duty for their Heineken Cup quarter-final win over Gloucester for next Saturday's set-to with the Magners League pace-setters Leinster at a sell-out RDS.

David Wallace's facial injury is not as bad as first feared and the flanker went through a light training session yesterday.

Marcus Horan sat out the session even though he was feeling much better yesterday.

Connacht remain deeply unhappy about the decision (made by Ulster and Munster in conjunction with the IRFU) to rearrange the Magners League game between Ulster and Munster for April 29th, two days after the latter play Saracens, but there is little they can do about it.

Besides, their hopes of catching Ulster (who sit four points above them) or Dragons, a further four points ahead, rest on their ability to beat Ulster in Ravenhill next Friday for the first time since 1960.

Connacht have confirmed the ex-Counties outhalf-cum-centre Troy Nathan (Irish-qualified) has been signed for next season along with the Ulster scrumhalf Kieran Campbell and the Shannon hooker Seán Cronin.

Having joined the "All Blacks" in October, Nathan (26) played a starring role as Connemara climbed from the relegation zone to third in the AIB League third division.

The decision by captain Andrew Farley to extend his contract with Connacht means Michael Bradley has 27 players signed for next season or beyond.

The AIB League Division One final has been moved back 24 hours to Sunday, May 11th, to avoid a clash with Magners League fixtures. It will take place in Musgrave Park, Cork, and will be televised live on RTÉ 1 with a kick-off of 1.15pm.

MUNSTER (squad v Leinster): Forwards: J Hayes, M Horan, T Buckley, F Pucciariello, J Flannery, F Sheahan, P O'Connell, D O'Callaghan, D Ryan, M O'Driscoll, A Quinlan, D Wallace, D Leamy, A Foley, N Ronan. Backs: S Payne, D Hurley, D Howlett, K Lewis, R Tipoki, L Mafi, B Carney, I Dowling, P Warwick, R O'Gara, T O'Leary, P Stringer.

ULSTER (squad v Connacht): Forwards: J Fitzpatrick; R Best, T Court, J Harrison, K Dawson, S Ferris, R Caldwell, C Del Fava, M McCullough, N Brady, B Young, N Best, R Wilson, G Webb. Backs: P Marshall, I Boss, P Wallace, N O'Connor, M McCrea, A Trimble, T Bowe, B Cunningham, R Dewey, P Steinmetz, M Bartholomeusz.