Protagonists at odds

A minor off-pitch row could be developing between semi-final protagonists Galwegians and Dungannon with regard to arrangements for their AIB League semi-final next weekend. As things stand the Cork Constitution-Young Munster semi-final at Temple Hill will go ahead at 1.0 on Saturday as the first of a televised double-header before the European Cup final in Paris between Leicester and Stade Francais in Parc des Princes.

Dungannon are not inclined to play on Sundays and they also rejected suggestions from Galwegians (keen to avoid a clash with either of the televised games) that the game be played on Friday because of players' work commitments. Basically, Dungannon have thus far insisted that the game will go ahead at 2.30 on Saturday and according to the IRFU's rugby administrator George Spotswood: "The competition rules state that all games must go ahead on Saturdays at 2.30 unless both participating clubs agree to a change."

So, ridiculously, Galwegians may have to host the biggest game in their history in direct competition with the televised European Cup final. Surely the IRFU should step in here and force Dungannon into some form of compromise.