Relief widespread as squad hit training camp

After a sodden summer's pre-season punctuated by two treks to Spala in Poland and last weekend's detour to a soaked Murrayfield, the 30-man Irish squad began their five-day warm-weather training camp in southwest France in temperatures in the mid-20s.

Based in Capbreton, approximately 50 kilometres from Biarritz, the squad were hoping to step up their training ahead of the World Cup in weather similar to what they will experience during the tournament. Ireland's first game is against Georgia in Bordeaux on September 9th.

Following a rehab session in the Cap Club Hotel, the squad trained yesterday afternoon at the Parc des Sports, two kilometres from their hotel. They play Bayonne on Thursday.

For some, the sense of relief at making it to Capbreton was greater than for others.

"Along with winning my first cap, my selection in the 30 man squad is the high point of my career to date," commented Stephen Ferris. "A World Cup is the pinnacle for international rugby and I would never have thought before this season that I'd be in this position.

"The competition in the backrow for Ireland is incredible when you think of the great players that did not make the squad. When I knew I had made the squad, the first person I talked to was my mum and the rest of the family. Needless to say, they were delighted at the news."

Another to make the cut from a long way back was Alan Quinlan.

"There have been some anxious moments over the last couple of weeks, but I was delighted to hear the news that I had made the squad," said the Munster stalwart. "I suppose I've not had an awful amount of luck over the last four years of my career, but I have worked hard over the last number of months to get myself in good shape and feel the best I have in pre-season in a long time.

"I really feel for the lads who did not make the final 30, and when you see how competitive it is in the forwards and backrow especially, it must have been a close call. Playing in what will be my third World Cup is something I was afraid would pass me by, but as I said, I'm delighted to be given the chance to add something to the squad."

Gavin Duffy admitted his decision to return to Connacht from Harlequins in March was critical: "Coming back home gave me more game time and so allowed me to continue to develop my game, but more importantly, this put me back on the radar of the national management. Hopefully my versatility will also be an added bonus for Eddie (O'Sullivan) and Niall (O'Donovan), and to be honest, I would have been happy playing anywhere to get this chance to be part of a Rugby World Cup."

Duffy's province have confirmed their match against the Springboks next Tuesday is an all-ticket sell-out, and only season-ticket holders who bought their season tickets before Monday, August 13th, will be admitted.

The incentive has seen a surge in Connacht season-ticket sales to over 700 for the new campaign. These also include the pre-season games against Castres on August 28th and September 1st, while their competitive seasonal opener in the Magners Celtic League against the Dragons has been brought forward a day to Friday, September 21st (6.30), at the Sportsground.

Connacht have also confirmed Bank of Ireland have renewed their sponsorship of the side, continuing a partnership that goes back over a decade.

Ulster's new hooker Neil Hanna looks set to miss next season with a knee injury. Hanna, who joined this summer from Rotherham, sustained the injury in training and has been told it will require reconstructive surgery and six to nine months' rehabilitation.

On a more positive note, the Ulster lock Matt McCullough returned to training this week following recent foot surgery and should be fit for the start of the season.

The Samoan winger Lome Fa'atau has joined Glasgow Warriors from the Wellington Hurricanes, with whom he reached the final of last season's Super 14 Championship and was the tournament's top try scorer (with nine).