Compiled by JOHN O'SULLIVAN
Dallaglio takes uncompromising line
Former Wasps, England and Lions flanker Lawrence Dallaglio was a guest speaker at the IRUPA awards dinner in Dublin last week, proving to be an entertaining orator according to our sources.
Noted for his uncompromising physicality on the pitch, there was just a hint of that when he made reference to the infamous spear tackle that ended the then Lions captain Brian O'Driscoll's participation in the First Test against the All Blacks in 2005.
Dallaglio was of the old school opinion that the perpetrators of the tackle should have been dealt with on the pitch at the time, suggesting that it would have laid down a psychological marker to their opponents that the tourists wouldn't be intimidated.
Elsom picks up Leinster award
The decision to select Rocky Elsom as the Bank of Ireland Leinster Player of the Year was arguably the easiest in a long time for the province, given the nature of the consistent brilliance of the Australian this season.
The 26-year-old made a huge contribution on and off the field. In 20 starts to date he also scored six tries and he will be hoping that an exceptional season includes a Heineken Cup victory.
Receiving his award at a gala award dinner, Elsom said: "I have to thank the team for what has been such a great year.
"I've had a lot of support from the team and the coaching staff and it has been really obvious to me how much of an impact they've had on my season. I can't say enough how much I appreciate it. In particular I would like to thank Michael Cheika for getting me over here in the first place, because it took a hell of a long time and a lot of work, so I appreciated that effort.
"I've really enjoyed being around the team. The highlight of the year so far was the match last week (Munster). Also, the Leinster supporters have been fantastic all season."
The big question for Leinster is can they keep him for next season.
LEINSTER AWARD WINNERS: Bank of Ireland Player of the Year: Rocky Elsom. Guinness Hall of Fame: Bill Mulcahy (Skerries). Powerade Young Player of the Year: Cian Healy. Powerade School of the Year: Terenure College. Evening Herald Club PRO of the Year: Seamie Briscoe (Boyne). Philips Ladies Player of the Year: Grace Davitt (Blackrock). Junior Club Player of the Year: Bernard Smyth (Navan). CCC (Canterbury) Club of the Year: Coolmine RFC. Try of the Year: Gordon D'Arcy (v Munster, May). Tackle of Year: Jamie Heaslip (v Glasgow Warriors, April). Wagamama Noodler of the Year: Paul O'Donohoe. OLSC Leinster Legend Award: Felipe Contepomi.
Brennan fights for a good cause
Trevor Brennan was the headline act in a 10-fight, white-collar boxing night against Barry Harmon, the ex-Irish karate champion, at the Tripod on Harcourt Street last Thursday. Vinny Murphy, of Dublin GAA football fame, was also on the card.
"The night went unbelievably well and I would like to thank all the fighters, especially Trevor who came over from France, for taking part. What a legend," exclaimed Brian Codyre, whose brother Martin was paralysed from the chest down in an accident last year. The event was to help raise funds for Martin's ongoing care and full details of the fund-raising activities can be found on www.themartincodyrefund.com
"We've got to get our scrum right, we've got to get in their face and we've got to take the game to them. In 1974, we had one hell of a pack of forwards, but we had a super frontrow. I know the game's changed . . . but I still believe the team that can scrummage is the team that wins the match." - 1974 Lions captain Willie John McBride
Collins agrees to join Ospreys
Jerry Collins has opted to join the Ospreys from French club Toulon after agreeing a two-year contract. The 28-year-old 48 times capped All Black joins a stellar Ospreys squad whose backrow riches also include Collins' fellow New Zealander Marty Holah and Wales captain Ryan Jones.
Collins' last Test for New Zealand was the 2007 World Cup quarter-final defeat against France in Cardiff. He hasn't enjoyed the best of times in Toulon but there is no doubting his pedigree or ability.
Ospreys elite performance director Andrew Hore said: "Jerry Collins is a proven world-class performer who brings with him both a real hard edge and 'go-forward' ability, as well as an uncompromising attitude on and off the field.
"He will complement the other loose forwards that we have at the Ospreys, and importantly, will be available for selection throughout the season, providing valuable cover for the times when we lose so many players to the Wales side. The Ospreys remain 100 per cent committed to producing home-grown talent, and are immensely proud of our record in bringing through players for both the Ospreys and Wales teams."
Boks avail of Montgomery's expertise
Good news for Springbok coach Peter de Villiers is that Percy Montgomery has agreed to join the South African backroom team as a specialist kicking coach. The former Bok fullback amassed a staggering number of personal landmarks during his playing career including records for the most Test points (893), most Tests at fullback (87), most points in a game (35), most conversions and penalties (153 and 148 respectively) and most points at Rugby World Cup 2007 (105).
At the latter tournament in France he kicked 31 out of 33 kicks at goal including four penalties in South Africa's 15-6 triumph over England in the Final.
De Villiers said: "I am delighted that Percy has agreed to join us. Aside from his obvious rugby ability, Percy is one of the greatest kickers to ever grace the game and it would be silly for us not to make use of the wealth of experience he has to offer.
"Percy's primary role will be to work with the kickers in the squad . . . . He will also have a broader role in imparting the technical and tactical knowledge he has garnered in his 102 Test matches."
Du Preez injured
South African coach Peter de Villiers will be almost as concerned as his Lions counterpart, Ian McGeechan, at the number of potential absentees through injuries for the upcoming Test series.
Bulls scrumhalf Fourie du Preez is believed to have suffered a torn calf muscle that could keep him sidelined for at least four weeks. If the brilliant World Cup-winning scrumhalf is ruled out for a month he would be short of match practice when the Lions arrive in South Africa.
