October 30th date for Irish squad

The deadline for earning a place in the Irish squad for the home internationals against Japan and South Africa draws nearer and Irish manager Brian O'Brien yesterday confirmed that a squad for those two games will be announced on October 30th.

Thus far, having both interpros on Friday nights has actually proved somewhat beneficial for the Irish management. The surfeit of midweek matches in the English Premiership, along with weekend doubleheaders in England, has enabled the three-man team to attend up to four matches a week as well as watch videos of the interpros they've missed.

"We've seen every player who could be involved as well as a few guys who might not be involved until next season," said O'Brien. As if to prove the point, he and coach Warren Gatland will attend the Leinster-Ulster game on Friday night, while assistant coach Eddie O'Sullivan will run the rule over the Munster-Connacht game. The three will then take in the Leicester-London Irish, Sale-Saracens and Wasps-Gloucester games in England on Saturday and Sunday.

Interestingly, especially in view of the injury to last season's impressive A outhalf Emmet Farrell, O'Brien confirmed that the new Harlequins recruit Paul Burke, who was at one time during the summer seemingly bound for Leinster "has been playing extremely well". Others to catch the eye in England have been Kevin Maggs, Wasps' Rob Henderson and Kieron Dawson. The latter's workrate and performances have been outstanding although his typically excessive workload is a concern, as is a recent thigh injury.

And it is the ongoing risk of injuries, as well as keeping an eye on recovering players such as Brian O'Driscoll which causes O'Brien greatest concern. "Our problem is not whether our players are good enough, but the size of our playing base. We've got to invite players in. The perception probably is that rugby is a bit of a closed door but it isn't. It's a wide open door."

As things stand, the one player definitely ruled out is Guy Easterby. Andy Ward, though an openside wing forward for Ulster, must be a contender, as is Eric Miller, with the likes of Russell Nelson, Alan Quinlan, Trevor Brennan, Eddie Halvey and Declan O'Brien more outsiders at this juncture.

Meanwhile, the IRFU has signed a £3 million five-year kit sponsorship deal with Canterbury of New Zealand. The contract will see the company provide playing and leisure gear for all Ireland teams. The New Zealand company will also provide playing gear for the provincial sides.