Top English clubs want to sign Byrne

Emmet Byrne's stock continues to rise sharply this season and it now transpires that even before his international Test debut for Ireland against Italy last Saturday, at least two and possibly three English Premiership clubs were seeking his services at the end of this season.

Given the relative shortage of quality tight-head props especially in Ireland and Britain it's perhaps none too surprising that the 27-year-old is coveted by, and has been contacted by, Northampton and by Sale, who are coached by former Connacht supremo Glenn Ross. It is also believed that Bath may have expressed an interest.

The St Mary's prop is currently on a provincial contract with Leinster until the end of this season, although he could be upgraded to an international contract in the light of his promotion to the Test squad. Bearing in mind his impressive little cameo last Saturday, and an ability to pack down on either side, it's quite conceivable that at the very least Byrne will remain in the Test 22 for the remainder of the Six Nations' championship.

Ironically, Byrne missed virtually all of last season at first over a dispute with his club due to a preference for playing exclusively as a loose-head prop, and then by a back injury. His return to fitness and subsequent conversion to scrummaging at tight-head and loose-head has seen him become a fixture in Leinster's front row this season, his elevation to the Irish squad, and now, it seems, to an increased market value.

Lions manager Donal Lenihan will make the draw for the Heineken Cup semi-finals in Dublin tonight. Munster are joined in the draw by English challengers Leicester and Gloucester as well as French champions Stade Francais. Teams drawn first and third out of the hat will play in their own country at neutral venues.

Reading's Madejski Stadium, which staged the Northampton versus Llanelli semi-final last season, is a strong contender should either Leicester or Gloucester secure "home" status.

Munster will plump for Lansdowne Road, while Parc des Princes is thought to be the preferred option for Paris-based Stade Francais.

The final, in May, will be played in Paris if Stade Francais reach that stage, with Ireland as a first alternative, followed by England.

The draw will be screened live on RTE 1 at 6.40 p.m. €1 at 6.40 p.m., by coach Declan Kidney and captain Mick Galwey.

Lenihan also takes charge of today's European Shield semi-final draw, which sees English pair Harlequins and Newcastle in contention alongside French clubs Agen and Narbonne.

The semi-finals in both competitions take place on April 21st and 22nd.

Patrick Wolff, vice-chairman of Ligue Nationale de Rugby, was yesterday elected chairman of the European Professional Club Rugby Association.

Wolff will have a wide-ranging brief and overall responsibility for the working parties set up to investigate ways of improving areas of the club game.