Wood set to return

Garryowen's hopes of having Irish hooker Keith Wood back in Limerick next season will depend on ongoing discussions with the IRFU. Wood, who is currently with English side Harlequins, is currently negotiating with the governing body and pending a positive outcome, he will play with Garryowen next season.

The former Irish captain played for the Limerick club for a number of years after he left school and last season spoke of living in England but of Garryowen being his `spiritual home'. Yesterday the club stated that they had not yet signed a contract with Wood but would not elaborate while both parties were still in discussion.

"If it does come to fruition, it is a great fillip to Garryowen and is part of a plan to move the club up to where we think it should be," said club official Owen Prendergast. "Keith is an inspirational figure and he is one of a number of players with whom we have had discussions."

Wood's presence with Garryowen next season would clearly add a new dimension to their forward play generally and front row in particular.

Meanwhile, European champions Ulster have pipped the other three Irish provinces for the services of Dion O'Cuinneagain. The South African-born back row forward (27), who was released by Allied Dunbar Premiership One strugglers Sale at the end of the last season, will link up with South African coach Andre Beste.

O'Cuinneagain, a medical student before joining Sale from Stellenbosch University two seasons ago, is to take up a 15-month academic exchange at Queen's University, Belfast. Ulster can now field an all-international back-row with O'Cuinneagain joining Lions number eight Eric Miller and openside flanker Andy Ward.

As well as Paddy Johns returning home after three seasons with Saracens, former international out-half Niall Malone returns from exile from Worcester, while Tyrone Howe is returning to the province from Newbury. In their quest to defend their European title, Ulster have also signed former England A and Harlequins winger Spencer Bromley and South African-born Riaz Fredericks.