Provinces expect to meet ERC deadline

Rugby News: Leinster and Munster expect to complete the signings of David Holwell and Paul Devlin, respectively, in time for tomorrow's mid-day ERC deadline for the European Cup.

Devlin, it is believed, has already completed his medical ahead of Munster acquiring the Widnes rugby league winger, while Holwell, the Wellington Hurricanes outhalf, arrives in Dublin today for his medical examination. Terms with both players have been agreed.

Holwell (29), a goal-kicking outhalf with the Hurricanes who has had over six years Super 12 experience, signed off with Wellington last weekend by contributing 19 points to their 78-28 thrashing of Taranaki which saw them displace their visitors at the top of the New Zealand NPC standings. Leinster had secured an early release from his contract in time for the ERC deadline.

He has agreed a one-year deal, and Leinster manager Paul McNaughton foresees no difficulties, laughing off quotes attributed to the outhalf a couple of weeks ago in which he reputedly said he wanted to give his body a rest from the rigours of Super 12 rugby.

Although Leinster signed the Puma outhalf Felipe Contepomi a year ago on a four-year deal, McNaughton rejected the suggestion they might not need another overseas signing in this traditionally problematic position for the province.

"The squad is undoubtedly strengthened by the addition of Holwell. I don't think the coaching staff would have gone for another outhalf unless they felt he would be of benefit to the squad."

The addition of Devlin, meanwhile, gives Alan Gaffney another option on the wing. Despite damaging a cruciate knee ligament last January, Devlin was back playing by the end of last season and has completed his medical without any hitches.

The pacey Devlin is Irish-qualified through his Balbriggan father, having played rugby union for the England under-18s and -19s before switching to the Irish under-21s two years ago under Ciarán Fitzgerald, competing in the Six Nations and the Under-21 World Cup in South Africa.

Then with Sale, he reverted to league with Widnes, scoring 10 tries in 19 games last year, before rejecting a new contract.

He has joined Munster on a three-year deal.