After a drawn-out saga, Matt Williams was dismissed as Scotland's national coach yesterday. The backroom team he brought from Leinster, assistant Willie Anderson and the national coaching coordinator Brett Igoe, have also had their contracts terminated.

Williams took over from Ian McGeechan after the 2003 World Cup, but just three victories, against Japan, Samoa and Italy, in 17 matches forced the Scottish union's hand. McGeechan has also recently vacated the role of director of rugby to take up a similar post with London Wasps.

Meanwhile, the Lions fitness coach, Craig White, has recommended the 10 home-based Irish tourist get as much game time as possible before the squad meet on May 17th. White met Munster's four and Leinster's six Lions last week to stay in line with Clive Woodward's meticulous nature regarding preparation.

"Craig White did a tour of the country, meeting fitness guys and provincial physios so he and Dave Reddan (Lions head fitness coach) are brought up to speed on guys' backgrounds and not just seeing them for the first time when they arrive into camp," explained IRFU fitness director Liam Hennessy.

The wish for players to arrive match-fit ahead of the May 23rd tour opener against Argentina at the Millennium Stadium means nine of the 10 should feature in this weekend's Celtic Cup quarter-finals.

Leinster hope to name a full-strength side tomorrow for Friday's match against Glasgow at Lansdowne Road, but Munster have several problems ahead of Saturday night's game against Edinburgh in Thomond Park.

Departing veterans Jim Williams and Jason Holland are facing uphill battles to finish their Munster careers on the pitch as both struggle to regain fitness. Recent Samoan signing Brian Lima is also set to miss out on a Munster debut, as a torn thigh muscle has yet to heal.

Ronan O'Gara's knee rehabilitation rules him out, but John Hayes, Donncha O'Callaghan and Paul O'Connell should all feature in the double-header at Thomond, which sees Shannon face Clontarf at 2pm in the AIB All-Ireland league semi-final.

If both Irish provinces progress, they will meet at Lansdowne Road the following weekend, which sees a further fixture backlog as the three league divisional finals are scheduled for Saturday on the main pitch.