Quinlan's efforts are rewarded

Man of the moment Alan Quinlan, along with Reggie Corrigan and Brian Cusack are the latest additions to the Irish squad for tomorrow's weekly training session at the ALSAA complex by Dublin Airport.

Other non-contracted players invited to attend again are the St Mary's quartet of Kevin Nowlan, John McWeeney, Conor McGuinness and Victor Costello, Mark McCall (London Irish), Dylan O'Grady (Sale) and Richie Wallace (Saracens).

At the other end of the spectrum, it is believed that of the original squad of 35 to be offered contracts, the Garryowen quartet of Killian Keane, Stephen McIvor, Gavin Walsh and David Wallace has been omitted, as has Young Munster centre Mick Lynch.

It is also expected that neither Jim Staples, who has turned down a contract, nor Simon Geoghegan will attend. Staples has not been able to resume playing or training following a back injury, while Geoghegan may have to undergo another operation on his arthritic foot. The case of Quinlan highlights the continuing flaws in the Irish contractual set-up, in that squads are picked on previous form and there isn't enough flexibility to reward current form. Quinlan's inclusion tomorrow after back-to-back man-of-the-match displays and three try-scoring appearances out of four in the European Cup will underpin Munster hopes that their 23-year-old flanker might receive a full-time Irish contract.

Munster are already working toward securing him a provincial contract, worth £25,000, but even that would be relatively small change for Cardiff and London Irish, who are apparently making covetous overtures towards the player. Currently on a part-time contract of £7,500, the one-time car mechanic from Clanwilliam hitches a lift outside Tipperary from Mick Galwey for voluntary full-time training with the province.

Disappointed at being overlooked for last summer's development tour - "I relish playing against better players" - Quinlan admits that being left out for the interpros "did me the world of good." Shannon, Munster and Ireland are lucky in that the young flanker wants to stay here, but loyalty can be tested too far. Overlooking him again might be one oversight too many.