Yet another New Zealand-born, Irish passport holder has become disaffected with the provincial contracts system although unlike the one-time Connacht bound Justin Cullen, the Garryowen prop Gavin Walsh is believed to be seeking legal advice over his contractual position with Munster.
The 31-year-old prop, who can pack down on either side of the scrum, was brought on the Irish `A'/Development tour of New Zealand in the summer of 1997 and was given a one-year international contract last season.
After appearing four times for Munster in the interprovincial championship and European Cup campaigns last season, Walsh, who lives with his young family in Limerick, had anticipated being awarded a provincial contract with Munster last season.
This apparently hinged upon Walsh meeting a deadline to prove his fitness in light of him sustaining a problem with a sciatic nerve in his leg. As regards his progress this season, there's undoubtedly two sides to this story, which neither of the main players is giving, suffice to say that Walsh has been informed that he will not be receiving a provincial contract this season.
When asked about these developments, the Munster Director of Rugby Declan Kidney declined to comment. "I've had discussions with Gavin but I don't have any comment at this point." Walsh too, was unavailable for contact, but it is now widely known in Limerick circles and beyond that he has sought legal advice.
Unlike the Cullen affair, which is still rumbling within IRFU circles and is leading toward a meeting between Union and Connacht officials, this one could end up in court. However, it emerged last night that a meeting between all the parties has been called for Monday night.
Meanwhile, the first shoots of the international season will spring up on Monday when the Irish management announce a squad of 40-45 for the following week's two-and-a-half day get together in Greystones. The selection is intended to cover both the bulk of the senior international squad and the Irish `A' squads, which henceforth are expected to work in closer harmony with many of the same calls and moves, and to that end the latter will be coached by Leinster's Mike Ruddock for the forthcoming season.
Garryowen have confirmed that the former England back-row forward John Hall will be their new coach for the coming season in place of Philip Danaher, who is otherwise engaged as Irish assistant coach.
Hall, capped 22 times by England, captained Bath for two seasons in his playing days before becoming director of rugby at Bath where he had a less than harmonious relationship with former Irish coach Brian Ashton.
