DIGEST: Keith Wood has hit back at accusations that Ireland played negative rugby during the Test series with New Zealand.

New Zealand coach John Mitchell accused Ireland, who lost both Tests, of being more concerned with stopping the All Blacks than playing their own game. He claimed Ireland were deliberately killing the ball at the breakdown to stop the All Blacks attacks.

Mitchell told The Dominion newspaper: "There was a pretty big focus in that area (by Ireland) and there was not a lot of fluency in the rucks in the two Tests. Our skill level needs to improve in that area, but Ireland were focused on shutting us down."

But Wood, the Ireland captain, dismissed the claims: "We don't go out to play a spoiling game. We want a fair contest for the ball and when someone goes into contact you are entitled to go for the ball," he said.

Meanwhile, Shannon coach Geoff Moylan is Philips Sports Manager of the Month for May. The club won the All-Ireland League final and the Munster Senior Cup in that month.

BASKETBALL: The Irish Basketball Association yesterday announced that Gerry Fitzpatrick will take over as senior men's coach in place of Bill Dooley, who is returning to the US.

Fitzpatrick has been the assistant coach through the qualifying stages of the European Championship, which Ireland negotiated successfully, and has years of coaching experience on the international circuit.

The IBA, meanwhile, will publish a five-year strategic plan for the sport in October.

CYCLING: Ciarán Power finished 28th overall in his last international race before Sunday's national championships, ending the GP Cycliste de Beauce 12 minutes and 32 seconds behind Michael Rogers of Australia.

Power was 47th on the final stage, six minutes and 37 seconds behind stage winner Lubor Tesar.