Connaught /International News

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=40 BGCOLOR="#006699" TEXT="#080000" background="044fd5a3.jpg"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B> Westport Bulls Rugby Football Club </B></FONT><B>    </B><B> |   </B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>  </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE=" Westport Bulls Rugby Football Club "><U><B>home</B></U></A></FONT></div> <bR> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=170 BGCOLOR="#FFCC80" TEXT="#080000"> <bR> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id17.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Our Club"><U><B>Our Club</B></U></A> </div> <div> <A HREF="id27.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Club History"><U><B>Club History</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id25.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Club Officers"><U><B>Club Officers</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id24.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Club News and Views"><U><B>Club News & Views</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id39.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE=" Latest Match Reports"><U><B>Latest Match Reports</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id49.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Latest Photos"><U><B>Latest Match Photos</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id19.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Fixtures"><U><B>All 2008 Fixtures</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id18.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="All Results"><U><B>All Results</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id48.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Youth Rugby Page"><U><B>Youth and Mini Rugby</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id23.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Club Sponsors"><U><B>Club Sponsors</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id31.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE=" Connaught /International News"><U><B>Connaught News</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id32.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Coach Neds Advice"><U><B>Coach Neds Advice</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id22.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Contact Us"><U><B>Contact us</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id26.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Site Information "><U><B>Local Information</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id28.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Westport of the Welcomes"><U><B>Welcome to Westport</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id40.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE=" Westport Sports Activities"><U><B>Other Westport Sports</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id44.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Tag Rugby Ballygowan West Tag Rugby"><U><B>Tag Rugby Festival</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id21.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Rugby Links"><U><B>Rugby Links</B></U></A><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >      </FONT></div> <bR> <div>     </div> </td> <td valign="top" height=440 BGCOLOR="#00FFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <B>Connaught  / International News  </B><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Times New Roman" ><B>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >                                                                   </FONT></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >  </FONT><I><B><IMG SRC="36f2c0c0.gif" border=0 width="44" height="12" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">     20</B></I><I><B>/ 034 08</B></I><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >                </FONT></div> <div> <B>International /Connaught  News</B></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>AIL Rugby News    All the Way with Monivea</B></div> <div>  </div> <bR> <div> Monivea will compete in Division Three of the AIB League next season after scoring a remarkable 35-3 play-off win over Waterpark in Waterford on Saturday. </div> <div> Monivea have produced many fine performances down through the years but this was one of their greatest days as they join Connemara and Corinthians in Division Three next year. </div> <div> Monivea have been knocking on the door for several years but it seemed another opportunity was going to slip by when they were defeated by Portadown in the first of the round-robin play-off games. </div> <div> However, they scored late wins in their other two games to set-up a one-off play-off clash away to Waterpark, who finished second from bottom in Division Three this season. </div> <div> And Monivea did it in style, running in five tries from Ger Divilly (2),Kevin Higgins, Mike Concarr and John Gavin after building up an early lead. </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> For the past seven year, Athlone (now Buccaneers) Rugby Football Club, in partnership with the Athlone Drugs Awareness Group and Athlone Gardai, have played host to the youth of Athlone and district by providing alcohol-free entertainment in the form of <B>Youth Discos</B> in the club's premises.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>AIL Div 1   20/03/08</B></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="1" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="639" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="VOID" RULES="NONE" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 38 WIDTH="36"><div> <B>Pos</B></div> <bR> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER COLSPAN=4 WIDTH="264"><div> <B>Team</B></div> <bR> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> <B>P</B></div> <bR> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> <B>W</B></div> <bR> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="11"><div> <B>D</B></div> <bR> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> <B>L</B></div> <bR> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER COLSPAN=3 WIDTH="34"><div> <B>F</B></div> <bR> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="36"><div> <B>A</B></div> <bR> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> <B>TB</B></div> <bR> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> <B>LB</B></div> <bR> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="36"><div> <B>Pts</B></div> <bR> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER ROWSPAN=17 WIDTH="55"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="38" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="55" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="36"><div> 1</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER COLSPAN=4 WIDTH="264"><div> Cork Constitution</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 13</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 11</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="11"><div> 1</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 1</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER COLSPAN=3 WIDTH="34"><div> 289</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="36"><div> 125</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 3</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 1</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="36"><div> 50</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="36"><div> 2</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER COLSPAN=4 WIDTH="264"><div> Shannon</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 13</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 10</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="11"><div> 0</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 3</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER COLSPAN=3 WIDTH="34"><div> 246</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="36"><div> 158</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 3</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 3</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="36"><div> 46</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="36"><div> 3</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER COLSPAN=4 WIDTH="264"><div> Garryowen</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 13</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 10</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="11"><div> 1</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 2</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER COLSPAN=3 WIDTH="34"><div> 227</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="36"><div> 127</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 2</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 1</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="36"><div> 45</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="36"><div> 4</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER COLSPAN=4 WIDTH="264"><div> Clontarf</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 13</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 9</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="11"><div> 0</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 4</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER COLSPAN=3 WIDTH="34"><div> 232</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="36"><div> 202</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 2</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 3</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="36"><div> 41</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="36"><div> 5</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER COLSPAN=4 WIDTH="264"><div> Dolphin</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 13</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 9</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="11"><div> 0</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 4</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER COLSPAN=3 WIDTH="34"><div> 255</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="36"><div> 229</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 2</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 1</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="36"><div> 39</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="36"><div> 6</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER COLSPAN=4 WIDTH="264"><div> Blackrock College RFC</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 13</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 7</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="11"><div> 0</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 6</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER COLSPAN=3 WIDTH="34"><div> 253</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="36"><div> 242</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 3</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 3</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="36"><div> 34</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="36"><div> 7</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER COLSPAN=4 WIDTH="264"><div> UCD</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 13</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 7</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="11"><div> 0</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 6</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER COLSPAN=3 WIDTH="34"><div> 228</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="36"><div> 258</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 2</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 3</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="36"><div> 33</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="36"><div> 8</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER COLSPAN=4 WIDTH="264"><div> U.L. Bohemian</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 13</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 6</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="11"><div> 0</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 7</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER COLSPAN=3 WIDTH="34"><div> 196</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="36"><div> 160</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 2</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 4</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="36"><div> 30</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="36"><div> 9</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER COLSPAN=4 WIDTH="264"><div> Old Belvedere</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 13</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 5</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="11"><div> 0</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 8</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER COLSPAN=3 WIDTH="34"><div> 257</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="36"><div> 230</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 2</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 7</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="36"><div> 29</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="36"><div> 10</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER COLSPAN=4 WIDTH="264"><div> St. Mary's College</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 13</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 6</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="11"><div> 0</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 7</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER COLSPAN=3 WIDTH="34"><div> 194</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="36"><div> 210</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 1</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 3</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="36"><div> 28</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="36"><div> 11</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER COLSPAN=4 WIDTH="264"><div> Ballymena</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 13</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 5</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="11"><div> 0</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 8</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER COLSPAN=3 WIDTH="34"><div> 211</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="36"><div> 215</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 1</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 5</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="36"><div> 26</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 20 WIDTH="36"><div> <B>12</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER COLSPAN=4 WIDTH="264"><div> <B>Galwegians</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> <B>13</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> <B>4</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="11"><div> <B>2</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> <B>7</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER COLSPAN=3 WIDTH="34"><div> <B>152</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="36"><div> <B>191</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> <B>0</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> <B>3</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="36"><div> <B>23</B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="36"><div> 13</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER COLSPAN=4 WIDTH="264"><div> Terenure College</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 13</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 3</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="11"><div> 0</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 10</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER COLSPAN=3 WIDTH="34"><div> 194</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="36"><div> 270</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 2</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 6</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="36"><div> 20</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="36"><div> 14</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER COLSPAN=4 WIDTH="264"><div> Dungannon</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 13</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 3</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="11"><div> 1</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 9</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER COLSPAN=3 WIDTH="34"><div> 204</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="36"><div> 296</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 0</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 4</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="36"><div> 18</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="36"><div> 15</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER COLSPAN=4 WIDTH="264"><div> Greystones</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 13</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 4</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="11"><div> 0</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 9</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER COLSPAN=3 WIDTH="34"><div> 182</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="36"><div> 295</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 0</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 2</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="36"><div> 18</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="36"><div> 16</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER COLSPAN=4 WIDTH="264"><div> Lansdowne</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 13</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 2</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="11"><div> 1</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 10</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER COLSPAN=3 WIDTH="34"><div> 148</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="36"><div> 260</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 1</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="24"><div> 3</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="36"><div> 14</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="201"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="19" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="201" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="14"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="19" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="14" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER COLSPAN=7 WIDTH="186"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="19" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="186" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="13"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="19" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="13" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER COLSPAN=6 WIDTH="185"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="19" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="185" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Jan 13th</B></div> <div>  ERC Cetransa El Salvador v Connacht  12.30</div> <bR> <div> <B>TBA Jan 18th</B></div> <div>  ERC Connacht v Brive18.30 Sportsground Feb 16th </div> <bR> <div> ML Ospreys v Connacht 17.30 Liberty Stadium Feb 29th ML</div> <bR> <div>  Connacht v Leinster 19.30Sportsground Mar 21st ML </div> <bR> <div>  Edinburgh v Connacht 19.30 Murrayfield Mar 28th ML </div> <bR> <div> Connacht v Munster 19.30Sportsground Apr 4/5/6 ERC Quarter Final TBA</div> <bR> <div> TBA Apr 11/12/13 ML Ulster v Connacht TBA Ravenhill </div> <bR> <div> Apr 18/19/20 ML Dragons v Connacht TBA Rodney Parade </div> <div>  </div> <div> Apr 25/26/27 ERC Semi Final TTBA</div> <bR> <div>  May 2/3/4 ML Connacht v Blues TBA Sportsground</div> <bR> <div>  May 9/10/11 ML Connacht v Ospreys TBA Sportsground</div> <bR> <div>  May 23/24/25 ERC Final TBA TBA</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>New Referee Course</B></div> <bR> <div> <B> </B>Sunday November 4th 2007 Galway Sportsground 11am Please forward application forms to "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><U>ken@cbirfu.com</U></FONT> For any more details contact Ken Imbusch ,0857082592 </div> <bR> <div> <B>Mini Rugby Regulations for 2007/08</B></div> <div> Mini Rugby News </div> <div> 15/10/2007 </div> <div> Team Ireland Mini Rugby has just issued new regulations for the forthcoming season for all mini rugby games.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Appointment of Womens Rugby Development Officer</B></div> <bR> <div> Due to the growth of the game, the Connacht Branch have appointed for the first time, a Women's Rugby Development... </div> <div> Due to the growth of the game, the Connacht Branch have appointed for the first time, a Women's Rugby Development Officer. Roisin McNulty undertook the position in mid-October. Her primary role is to develop and coordinate girls/womens rugby in schools, colleges and clubs in Connacht. If you have any queries regarding girls or womens rugby please contact Roisin on (087)6445268 or <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><U>ro.mcnulty@gmail.com</U></FONT> </div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>IRISH, PUMA HOPES REST ON CAPTAINS, SAY LEGENDS</B></div> <bR> <div> <B> "Well he got this wrong didn't he!  ED."</B></div> <bR> <div> The Irish and Argentinean captains' involvement in their World Cup campaigns are vital to the team's hopes, according to the Visa Rugby Legends. </div> <bR> <div> The Visa Rugby Legends named Brian O'Driscoll and Augustine Pichot two of the tournament's most inspirational captains - the two will go head to head later this month in a possible Pool D decider. </div> <div> Joel Stransky said, "I think you're looking at a Brian O'Driscoll, or a Gus Pichot, and saying, now for that team to achieve something special there's more pressure on that leader... the guys who have got to do some real serious work to get their teams through to a semi or a final."</div> <bR> <div> Quizzed by Martin Johnson on captain selection, Australia's John Eales said, "I think you've got to pick your best team and then pick your captain, because with the captain, there can be no question about him earning his spot in the team."</div> <bR> <div> The Visa Rugby Legends are a group of legendary players brought together to debate all things rugby in the lead up to this year's competition. RugbyEnews.com subscribers are invited to join the Visa Rugby Legends in live webchats and debates throughout the tournament at http://www.visarugby.com</div> <bR> <div> <B>ENGLAND LOSES SKIPPER</B></div> <bR> <div> England skipper Phil Vickery is to pay the price for his brainless act against USA in his side's opening Rugby World Cup match.</div> <bR> <div> Vickery has been suspended for two matches after being found guilty of tripping USA centre Paul Emerick. This means Vickery will miss England's key Pool A clash against South Africa in Paris on Saturday and the September 22 fixture against Samoa in Nantes. </div> <div> The 31-year-old tripped Emerick after the Eagles player had made a break and with players looming in support, a try seemed a certainty. </div> <bR> <div> "The judicial officer deemed the trip was a deliberate act and was delivered with some force, causing the opposing player to be knocked over," IRB spokesman Greg Thomas said.</div> <div> Vickery commented on the act following the match: "It was unfortunate. He had made a good break. I was back-tracking, like a good prop forward, always looking for the corner flag. He chopped inside me and it was just instinctive, trying to stop him. Unfortunately, I tapped him... there was no malice on my part."</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>News</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Fixtures 2007/2008</B></div> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="1" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="630" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="VOID" RULES="NONE" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 20 WIDTH="99"><div> <B>Date</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="69"><div> <B>Comp</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="197"><div> <B>Home v Away</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="75"><div> <B>KO</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="98"><div> <B>Venue</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="73"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="20" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="73" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="99"><div> Aug 21st</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="69"><div> F</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> Connacht v South Africa</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="75"><div> 19.30</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> Sportsground</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="73"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="19" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="73" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="99"><div> Aug 28th</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="69"><div> F</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="197"><div> Connacht v Castres</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="75"><div> 19.00</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> Sportsground</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="73"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="19" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="73" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="99"><div> Sept 1st</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="69"><div> F</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="197"><div> Connacht v Castres</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="75"><div> 16.00</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> Sportsground</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="73"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="19" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="73" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="99"><div> Sept 7th</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="69"><div> F</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> Harlequins v Connacht </div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="75"><div> 18.00</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="98"><div> Stoop</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="73"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="19" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="73" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="99"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="19" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="99" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="69"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="19" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="69" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="197"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="19" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="197" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="75"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="19" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="75" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="98"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="19" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="98" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="73"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="19" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="73" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 38 WIDTH="99"><div> Sept 21st</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="69"><div> ML</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> Connacht v Dragons</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="75"><div> 18.30</div> <bR> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> Sportsground</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="73"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="38" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="73" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 38 WIDTH="99"><div> Sept 28th</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="69"><div> ML</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> Scarlets v Connacht </div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="75"><div> 19.10</div> <bR> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> Stradey Park</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="73"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="38" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="73" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 38 WIDTH="99"><div> Oct 5th</div> <bR> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="69"><div> ML</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> Warriors v Connacht</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="75"><div> 19.30</div> <bR> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="98"><div> Firhill</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="73"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="38" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="73" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 38 WIDTH="99"><div> Oct 12th </div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="69"><div> ML</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="197"><div> Blues v Connacht</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="75"><div> 19.30</div> <bR> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> Arms Park</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="73"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="38" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="73" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 38 WIDTH="99"><div> Oct 26th</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="69"><div> ML</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> Connacht v Edinburgh</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="75"><div> 18.30</div> <bR> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> Sportsground</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="73"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="38" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="73" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 38 WIDTH="99"><div> Nov 2nd</div> <bR> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="69"><div> ML</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> Leinster v Connacht</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="75"><div> 19.30</div> <bR> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="98"><div> RDS</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="73"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="38" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="73" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 ><NOBR><div> Nov 9/10/11</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="69"><div> ERC</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="197"><div> TBA</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="75"><div> TBA</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="98"><div> TBA</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="73"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="19" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="73" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 ><NOBR><div> Nov 16/17/18</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="69"><div> ERC</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="197"><div> TBA</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="75"><div> TBA</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="98"><div> TBA</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="73"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="19" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="73" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 38 WIDTH="99"><div> Nov 23rd</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="69"><div> ML</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="197"><div> Connacht v Ulster</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="75"><div> 18.30</div> <bR> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> Sportsground</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="73"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="38" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="73" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 38 WIDTH="99"><div> Nov 30th</div> <bR> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="69"><div> ML</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> Connacht v Warriors</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="75"><div> 18.30</div> <bR> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> Sportsground</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="73"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="38" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="73" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="99"><div> Dec 7/8/9</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="69"><div> ERC</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="197"><div> TBA</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="75"><div> TBA</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="98"><div> TBA</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="73"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="19" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="73" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 ><NOBR><div> Dec 14/15/16</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="69"><div> ERC</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="197"><div> TBA</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="75"><div> TBA</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="98"><div> TBA</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="73"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="19" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="73" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 38 WIDTH="99"><div> Dec 27th</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="69"><div> ML</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> Munster v Connacht</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="75"><div> 19.30</div> <bR> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="98"><div> Musgrave Park</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="73"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="38" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="73" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 38 WIDTH="99"><div> Jan 4th</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="69"><div> ML</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="197"><div> Connacht v Scarlets</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="75"><div> 18.30</div> <bR> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> Sportsground</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="73"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="38" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="73" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 ><NOBR><div> Jan 11/12/13</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="69"><div> ERC</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="197"><div> TBA</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="75"><div> TBA</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="98"><div> TBA</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="73"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="19" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="73" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 ><NOBR><div> Jan 18/19/20</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="69"><div> ERC</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="197"><div> TBA</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="75"><div> TBA</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="98"><div> TBA</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="73"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="19" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="73" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 38 ><NOBR><div> Feb 15/16/17 </div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="69"><div> ML</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> Ospreys v Connacht</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="75"><div> TBA</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="98"><div> Liberty Stadium</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="73"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="38" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="73" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 38 WIDTH="99"><div> Feb 29 / Mar 1/2</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="69"><div> ML</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> Connacht v Leinster</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="75"><div> TBA</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> Sportsground</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="73"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="38" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="73" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 ><NOBR><div> Mar 21/22/23</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="69"><div> ML</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> Edinburgh v Connacht </div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="75"><div> TBA</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> Murrayfield</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="73"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="19" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="73" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 ><NOBR><div> Mar 28/29/30 </div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="69"><div> ML</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="197"><div> Connacht v Munster</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="75"><div> TBA</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> Sportsground</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="73"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="19" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="73" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="99"><div> Apr 4/5/6</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="69"><div> ERC</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="197"><div> Quarter Final</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="75"><div> TBA</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="98"><div> TBA</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="73"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="19" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="73" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 ><NOBR><div> Apr 11/12/13 </div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="69"><div> ML</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="197"><div> Ulster v Connacht</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="75"><div> TBA</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="98"><div> Ravenhill</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="73"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="19" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="73" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 38 ><NOBR><div> Apr 18/19/20 </div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="69"><div> ML</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> Dragons v Connacht </div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="75"><div> TBA</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="98"><div> Rodney Parade</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="73"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="38" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="73" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 ><NOBR><div> Apr 25/26/27</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="69"><div> ERC</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="197"><div> Semi Final</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="75"><div> TBA</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="98"><div> TBA</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="73"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="19" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="73" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="99"><div> May 2/3/4</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="69"><div> ML</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="197"><div> Connacht v Blues</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="75"><div> TBA</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> Sportsground</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="73"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="19" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="73" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 ><NOBR><div> May 9/10/11</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="69"><div> ML</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> Connacht v Ospreys </div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="75"><div> TBA</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> Sportsground</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="73"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="19" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="73" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 ><NOBR><div> May 23/24/25</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="69"><div> ERC </div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="197"><div> Final</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="75"><div> TBA</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="98"><div> TBA</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="73"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="19" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="73" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="99"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="19" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="99" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="69"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="19" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="69" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="197"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="19" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="197" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="75"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="19" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="75" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="98"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="19" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="98" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="73"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="19" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="73" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 20 ><NOBR><div> <B>Competitions</B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER COLSPAN=2 WIDTH="267"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="20" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="267" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="75"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="20" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="75" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="98"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="20" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="98" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="73"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="20" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="73" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 57 WIDTH="99"><div> <B>ML</B> Magners League</div> <bR> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="69"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="57" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="69" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="197"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="57" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="197" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="75"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="57" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="75" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="98"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="57" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="98" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="73"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="57" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="73" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 114 WIDTH="99"><div> <B>ECC</B> European Challenge Cup</div> <bR> <bR> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER COLSPAN=2 WIDTH="267"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="114" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="267" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="75"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="114" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="75" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="98"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="114" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="98" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="73"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="114" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="73" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 20 ><NOBR><div> <B>F </B>Friendly </div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER COLSPAN=2 WIDTH="267"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="20" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="267" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="75"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="20" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="75" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="98"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="20" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="98" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="73"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="20" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="73" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="99"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="19" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="99" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER COLSPAN=2 WIDTH="267"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="19" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="267" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="75"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="19" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="75" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="98"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="19" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="98" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="73"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="19" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="73" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id24.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Club News and Views"><U><B>Connaught v South Africa</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <B> Match tickets for the pre-season game between Connacht and South Africa at the Sportsground in August are on sale from Monday, June 25th. Adult tickets cost €30 and €10 for children for the game which will take place at the Sportsground on Tuesday, August 21st. See Ticket master /Connaught Branch</B><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B> </B></FONT><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#CC33FF" FACE="Arial" ><B>( All sold out  )</B></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Hot Topic</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>LEINSTERMEN CLEAN UP AWARDS</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>It's a nice time to be a Leinsterman in Irish rugby.</B></div> <div> <B>The province swept the board in all categories at the fifth annual Irish Rugby Union Players Association (IRUPA) awards ceremony.</B></div> <div> <B>Ireland and Leinster star Gordon D'Arcy was voted the Players' Player of the Year but he was not the only Leinsterman celebrating - Shane Horgan was awarded the Try of the Year award for his effort against England at Croke Park while former Leinster and Ireland loose forward Victor Costello was in Ireland's Hall of Fame and Leinster fullback/wing Luke Fitzgerald picked up the Young Player of the Year award.</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>IS JONNY FIT FOR WORLD CUP?</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Jonny Wilkinson is determined not to miss the England tour to South Africa next month.</B></div> <div> <B>However, he will miss Newcastle Falcons' end-of-season match against Bath at Kingston Park this Saturday - after not recovering in time from the rib and calf injuries he suffered against Gloucester - but he insisted earlier this week that he would not be joining the casualty list who are either unavailable or injured for the tour to South Africa.</B></div> <div> <B>The depleted England touring squad does not bode well for the trip, although Wilkinson insisted that the tour's results would bear little impact on England's crucial World Cup match against South Africa in September.</B></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>GLOBAL DRAW FOR RWC TICKETS</B></div> <bR> <div> Public ticket allocation for the Rugby World Cup final and semifinals will be managed through a random draw process. </div> <div> Registrations for the draw opened on Monday and will close on May 20. Members of the public can register by applying online via official Rugby World Cup websites</div> <bR> <div>  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Verdana" ><U>www.france2007.fr</U></FONT>,     <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Verdana" ><U>www.rugbyworldcup.com</U></FONT> and   <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Verdana" ><U>www.paramourdurugby.com</U></FONT> . </div> <bR> <div> During the registration for the draw, applicants will be asked to indicate the matches they wish to be considered for. Three separate draws will take place for each game starting with the final, then the two semifinals. Winners will be removed after each draw so it is only possible to win the right to purchase tickets for one game but each winner will have the right to buy a maximum two tickets for the game they have been allocated.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>SYD GETS VICIOUS</B></div> <bR> <div> Dr Syd Millar is labelling the French and English clubs' withdrawal from the European Rugby Cup as "selfish and disgraceful."</div> <div> The chairman of the International Rugby Board released a statement pinpointing Serge Blanco's actions as shameful and believes the clubs' actions will have serious consequences for world rugby.</div> <div> "It is unbelievable that one man should be allowed to bring European rugby to this state. We understand that not all clubs agree. Is there no one among the clubs of France who has the courage to say ‘No, we will not be a part of this?' " Miller said.</div> <div> The former Irish prop also criticised the entrepreneurs that own many of the English premiership clubs who are not used to deferring to governing bodies such as the RFU. He emphasised the fact that a good relationship between the union and clubs is essential for the good of the game and believes it is not too late for the clubs to reverse their decision.</div> <div> "The rugby unions of the world will not allow 26 clubs to dictate the course of world rugby and the present situation has brought these unions even closer and more determined to preserve the game for the good of all," Millar said.</div> <div> The IRB has been met with an angry response by some of the clubs involved. Wasps chief executive, David Davies, considered Millar's attack "just a tantrum from one of the grandfathers of the game". </div> <div> <B>( typical from the proffesional money men and no thought of the games future ED.)</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>IRISH RUGBY AWARDS </B></div> <bR> <div> Gordon D'Arcy, John Hayes and David Wallace will go head-to-head in the battle to win the main prize at the Irish Players' Player of the Year awards.</div> <div> The Irish Rugby Union Players Association (IRUPA) are being held on April 25 to celebrate the 2006-07 season and the players who made the biggest contribution both on and off the field. </div> <div> Aside from the Player of the Year award, there are five other categories including Unsung hero of the year, Newcomer of the year, Try of the year, Special Merit Award and a new inductee to the Hall of Fame.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>BRENNAN TO APPEAL BAN</B></div> <div> Former Ireland lock Trevor Brennan will appeal against the lifetime playing ban he received earlier this month.</div> <div> Brennan will also appeal against a suspension from participating in any tournament organised by the European Rugby Cup and a fine he received for punching a supporter during Toulouse's 28-13 European Cup victory over Ulster in January.</div> <div> The 33-year-old was fined 25,000 euros and ordered to pay 5000 euros compensation to the supporter and the costs of convening the hearing. </div> <div> The Toulouse star announced his immediate retirement from the game just days before the hearing in London on March 16. </div> <div> A date for the appeal to be heard, and the composition of an independent appeal committee, will be confirmed as soon as practicable, the ERC said. </div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>IRB World Rankings</B></div> <div> (as at Monday 26 March 2007)</div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="1" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="367" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="VOID" RULES="NONE" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#000000 HEIGHT= 14 WIDTH="47"><div> <B>Rank</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#000000 WIDTH="57"><div> <B>Rating</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#000000 WIDTH="253"><div> <B>Country</B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF HEIGHT= 14 WIDTH="47"><div> 1</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF WIDTH="57"><div> 94.59</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF WIDTH="253"><div> New Zealand</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 15 WIDTH="47"><div> 2</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="57"><div> 85.66</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="253"><div> France</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF HEIGHT= 15 WIDTH="47"><div> 3</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF WIDTH="57"><div> 85.55</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF WIDTH="253"><div> Australia</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 15 WIDTH="47"><div> 4</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="57"><div> 85.31</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="253"><div> Ireland</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF HEIGHT= 14 WIDTH="47"><div> 5</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF WIDTH="57"><div> 84.71</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF WIDTH="253"><div> South Africa</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 15 WIDTH="47"><div> 6</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="57"><div> 79.61</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="253"><div> Argentina</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF HEIGHT= 15 WIDTH="47"><div> 7</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF WIDTH="57"><div> 79.35</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF WIDTH="253"><div> England</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 15 WIDTH="47"><div> 8</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="57"><div> 76.26</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="253"><div> Wales</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF HEIGHT= 15 WIDTH="47"><div> 9</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF WIDTH="57"><div> 75.39</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF WIDTH="253"><div> Italy</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 14 WIDTH="47"><div> 10</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="57"><div> 73.94</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="253"><div> Scotland</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF HEIGHT= 15 WIDTH="47"><div> 11</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF WIDTH="57"><div> 73.86</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF WIDTH="253"><div> Samoa</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 15 WIDTH="47"><div> 12</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="57"><div> 73.15</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="253"><div> Fiji</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF HEIGHT= 15 WIDTH="47"><div> 13</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF WIDTH="57"><div> 6<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >8.73</FONT></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF WIDTH="253"><div> USA</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 15 WIDTH="47"><div> 14</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="57"><div> 6<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >8.52</FONT></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="253"><div> Canada</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF HEIGHT= 15 WIDTH="47"><div> 15</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF WIDTH="57"><div> 6<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >6.79</FONT></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF WIDTH="253"><div> Romania</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 15 WIDTH="47"><div> 16</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="57"><div> 66.66</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="253"><div> Tonga </div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF HEIGHT= 14 WIDTH="47"><div> 17</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF WIDTH="57"><div> 65.18</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF WIDTH="253"><div> Georgia</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 14 WIDTH="47"><div> 18</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="57"><div> 64.95</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="253"><div> Japan</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF HEIGHT= 15 ><NOBR><div> 19 (21)</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF WIDTH="57"><div> 6<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >3.44</FONT></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF WIDTH="253"><div> Uruguay</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 14 ><NOBR><div> 20 (19)</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="57"><div> 63.11</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="253"><div> Russia</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF HEIGHT= 14 ><NOBR><div> 21 (20)</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF WIDTH="57"><div> 62.65</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF WIDTH="253"><div> Portugal</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 15 WIDTH="47"><div> 22</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="57"><div> 59.55</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="253"><div> Korea </div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF HEIGHT= 15 WIDTH="47"><div> 23</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF WIDTH="57"><div> 59.29</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF WIDTH="253"><div> Namibia</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 14 WIDTH="47"><div> 24</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="57"><div> 59.27</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="253"><div> Chile</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF HEIGHT= 14 WIDTH="47"><div> 25</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF WIDTH="57"><div> 58.18</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF WIDTH="253"><div> Spain </div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>03/03/2007 </B></div> <div> Connacht sides did not have everything their own way in this weekends AIB League fixtures. </div> <div> Both Connacht AIB League Division 1 sides, Galwegians and Buccaneers lost at home. Galwegians went down to Terenure College by 13-25 while Buccaneers lost 16-29 to Cork Constitution. </div> <div> In Division 3 there were mixed fortunes as Connemara lost 13-9 away to Old Wesley, but Corinthians won away to Waterpark by 9-14. </div> <bR> <bR> <div> Academy announce U17 squad to for Easter tour Good news for Westport with three on the panel Well done lads</div> <div> <B>Development News </B></div> <bR> <div> The Connacht U17 Academy have announced a squad to play on their Easter tour. </div> <div> This years tour takes place from the 11th to the 15th of April with the provinces U17 side facing the equivalent underage outfit from Leicester Tigers and London Wasps.</div> <div>  </div> <div> 12/4/2007 Connacht U17 V Leicester Tigers U17 </div> <bR> <div> 14/4/2007 Connacht U17 V London Wasps U17 </div> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="1" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="639" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="VOID" RULES="NONE" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 39 WIDTH="102"><div> <B>Squad Number </B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="90"><div> <B>Surname</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="112"><div> <B>First Name</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="102"><div> <B>Position</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="137"><div> <B>Club</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="77"><div> <B>School</B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="102"><div> 1</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="90"><div> Buckley</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="112"><div> Denis</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="102"><div> Prop</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="137"><div> Creggs</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> Blackrock</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="102"><div> 2</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="90"><div> Burke</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="112"><div> Cathal</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="102"><div> Scrumhalf</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="137"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="19" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="137" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="77"><div> Roscrea</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 38 WIDTH="102"><div> 3</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> Carpenter</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="112"><div> Brendan</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> Back Three</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="137"><div> <B>Westport</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="77"><div> Rice College</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="102"><div> 4</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="90"><div> Casey</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="112"><div> Shane</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="102"><div> Back Row</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="137"><div> Castlebar</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> St Geralds</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="102"><div> 5</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="90"><div> Conneely</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="112"><div> Shane</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="102"><div> Back Row</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="137"><div> Galwegians</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="77"><div> Jes</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="102"><div> 6</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="90"><div> Connolly</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="112"><div> Shane</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="102"><div> Back Row</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="137"><div> Galwegians</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> Oranmore</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="102"><div> 7</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="90"><div> Conroy</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="112"><div> Colin</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="102"><div> Centre</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="137"><div> Galwegians</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="77"><div> Jes</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 20 WIDTH="102"><div> 8</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="90"><div> Dempsey</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="112"><div> Matthew</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> Back Three</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="137"><div> <B>Westport</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> Louisburgh</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="102"><div> 9</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="90"><div> Doran</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="112"><div> Patrick</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="102"><div> Prop</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="137"><div> Athlone</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="77"><div> ACC</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="102"><div> 10</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="90"><div> Egan</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="112"><div> Karl</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="102"><div> Hooker</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="137"><div> Corinthians</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> Oranmore</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="102"><div> 11</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="90"><div> Fahey</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="112"><div> David</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="102"><div> Centre</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="137"><div> Galwegians</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="77"><div> Jes</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 38 WIDTH="102"><div> 12</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="90"><div> Geraghty</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="112"><div> Paul</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="102"><div> Lock</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="137"><div> <B>Westport</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="77"><div> Rice College</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="102"><div> 13</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="90"><div> Gormley</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="112"><div> Finn</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="102"><div> Centre</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="137"><div> Corinthians</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="77"><div> Jes</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="102"><div> 14</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> Hansberry</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="112"><div> David</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="102"><div> Lock</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="137"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="19" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="137" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> Oranmore</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="102"><div> 15</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="90"><div> Hayes</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="112"><div> John</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="102"><div> Hooker</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="137"><div> Ballinasloe</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="77"><div> Roscrea</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="102"><div> 16</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="90"><div> Henshaw</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="112"><div> David</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="102"><div> Prop</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="137"><div> Athlone</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="77"><div> Marist</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="102"><div> 17</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="90"><div> Kennedy</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="112"><div> Adam</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="102"><div> Scrumhalf</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="137"><div> Athlone</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="77"><div> Marist</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="102"><div> 18</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="90"><div> Kenny</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="112"><div> Joe</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="102"><div> Back Row</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="137"><div> Athlone</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="77"><div> Gallen</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="102"><div> 19</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="90"><div> Kerins</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="112"><div> Rory</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="102"><div> Back Row</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="137"><div> Sligo</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> Summerhill</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="102"><div> 20</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="90"><div> Murphy</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="112"><div> Conor</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="102"><div> Outhalf</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="137"><div> Corinthians</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="77"><div> Jes</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="102"><div> 21</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> O'Flaherty</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="112"><div> Eamon</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="102"><div> Centre</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="137"><div> Corinthians</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> Oranmore</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="102"><div> 22</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> O'Halloran</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="112"><div> Tiernan</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="102"><div> Outhalf</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="137"><div> Connemara</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="77"><div> Roscrea</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="102"><div> 23</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="90"><div> O'Meara</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="112"><div> Shane</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="102"><div> Scrumhalf</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="137"><div> Galwegians</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="77"><div> Jes</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="102"><div> 24</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="90"><div> Raftery</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="112"><div> Colin</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="102"><div> Lock</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="137"><div> Tuam</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> St Jarlaths</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="102"><div> 25</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="90"><div> Robinson</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="112"><div> James</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="102"><div> Prop</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="137"><div> Cornthians</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="77"><div> Gort</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="102"><div> 26</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="90"><div> Russell</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="112"><div> Kevin</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> Back Three</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="137"><div> Corinthians</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="77"><div> Jes</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="story1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>ASHTON STICKS TO WINNING FORMULA</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>England coach Brian Ashton is returning to the side which defeated Scotland 42-20 in the opening round of the Six Nations.</B></div> <div> <B>The English take on the Irish at Croke Park on February 24 with two injury-related changes to the side who were unconvincing in the scratchy 20-7 victory over Italy.</B></div> <div> <B>Olly Morgan comes in for Iain Balshaw at fullback and Joe Worsley returns at blindside flanker in place of Nick Easter.</B></div> <div> <B>Ashton brought forward the announcement of the team by a week in the hope that as many players as possible would be spared playing for their clubs in the Premiership this weekend.</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Schools News </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Connacht Rugby Trials are set to take place this month for schools and clubs around the province. </B></div> <div> <B>Coaches and teachers in Connacht have nominated players from their clubs and schools to take part in the trials. This years event will see over 300 underage rugby players take part, beginning next Monday at the Sportsground in Galway. </B></div> <div> <B>Connacht Rugby Trials Schedule </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Monday 19th February: U14 DOB 01/01/1993 11am - 3pm</B></div> <div> <B> </B></div> <div> <B>Tuesday 20th February: U15 DOB 01/01/1992 10.30am-3.30pm </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Wednesday 21st February: U16 DOB 01/01/1991 10.30am-3.30pm </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Thursday 22nd February: U17 DOB 01/01/1990 10.30am-3.30pm</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Connacht U20 News:  10/02/2007 19-16 win over France U21.</B></div> <bR> <div> An injury time penalty by Ireland U20 out half Ian Keatley, helped Eric Elwood and Dan McFarland's Irish U20 to a 19-16 win over France U21. </div> <bR> <div> Connacht's Andrew Browne and Aidan Wynne were instrumental in helping Ireland to a deserved victory over a side which weren't only a year older than them but had the majority of the U19 French World Cup winning side in their ranks. </div> <bR> <div> The win brings the Elwood-McFarland era to a perfect 2-0, leading up to their next match at Dubarry Park in two weeks time against England. Kick off will once again be at 7.30 as Ireland's U-20's bid to extend their unbeaten streak in this years six nations tournament</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Dubarry Park hosts U-20 international</B></div> <div>  </div> <bR> <div> <B>IRELAND U-20’s PLAY FRANCE IN ATHLONE ON FRIDAY NIGHT</B> </div> <bR> <div> Ireland take on world champions France in the U-20 ESB International rugby championship match at Dubarry Park, Athlone, on this Friday, February 9th.</div> <bR> <div> This eagerly anticipated floodlit game kicks off at 7.30 p.m. and it promises a feast of fast-moving rugby from the stars of tomorrow. Local star Aidan Wynne is expected to line out in the centre for Ireland. </div> <div> Huge crowds attended last season’s matches at the Athlone stadium and, with two of the world’s top four nations playing here this year, even larger turnouts are expected this month. Fourth ranked England are Ireland’s opponents on February 23rd. </div> <bR> <div> Ireland scored a terrific 17-15 away win against Wales in Swansea last Friday when full back Felix Jones proved their hero with a brace of tries as Ireland recovered from 0-15 down to forge a dramatic victory in a thrilling contest. Outhalf Ian Keatley converted both tries and also landed the match-winning score with a splendid drop goal. Darren Cave (who also played last season) and Keith Earls lined up alongside Buccaneers prodigy Wynne in a dynamic three-quarters line completed by towering wing Stephen Monahan. One of Ireland’s most exciting prospects Luke Fitzgerald, who has already been capped at Senior level, hopes to be fit for selection after sustaining a neck injury in training last week. </div> <bR> <div> No. 8 Sean O’Brien was a member of the Ireland squad that thrilled the fans here last season and he is joined in an exciting back row by Thomas Anderson, son of the legendary Willie. Richard Sweeney will be a formidable force at hooker while second row Andrew Browne of Galwegians has Athlone connections, being nephew of tenor Louis and local GAA stalwart Joe, who operates the Auburn Store shop opposite Athlone Institute of Technology. </div> <div> Injury has militated against Buccs’ U-20 fullback Sean Carey from Ballinasloe, who scored an Ireland try in last May’s World Cup in Dubai, while Ferbane hooker Gavin Kelly is also in the Ireland panel. Eric Elwood, with assistance from Dan McFarland, coaches the Ireland squad which is managed by Phil Orr. </div> <bR> <div> This is a well balanced, skillful and committed Ireland side who look highly capable of overcoming the World champions, especially if they get the necessary edge that their 16th man (a partisan, large home crowd) can give them, so here’s hoping for a record attendance at Dubarry Park on Friday night. </div> <bR> <div> <B>TICKETS</B> </div> <bR> <div> Tickets are now on sale at a number of outlets including The Bounty (contact Geraldine 086-1732711 during normal business hours), MusicWorld, Golden Island Shopping Centre (phone 090-6474372) and Keenan Sports, Athlone (phone 090-6472030). Tickets can also be bought at Harten’s Shop in Moate (phone 090-6481307). Stand tickets for the France match are already virtually sold out and Stand tickets for the England game are also selling strongly. </div> <bR> <div> <B>A wide variety of tickets are on offer, priced as follows:- </B></div> <div> <B>STAND €20 </B></div> <div> <B>TERRACE €10 </B></div> <div> <B>CHILDREN €5 </B></div> <div> <B>FAMILY €20 </B></div> <bR> <div> Family tickets cover 2 adults and 2 children, and represent very good value, being reduced from last year. </div> <div> The Band of the Western Command will be providing pre-match and half-time musical entertainment while the 2FM Roadcaster will also be broadcasting Ruth Scott’s Show from the ground on Friday afternoon. </div> <bR> <div> Last season’s matches attracted widespread interest from all over the midlands and indeed beyond, so if you want to savour the atmosphere of topclass international rugby right here in the heart of Ireland, get your ticket and come along to Dubarry Park on February 9th and 23rd for sporting nights to remember! Cash will be taken at the turnstiles on the night. </div> <bR> <div> <B>CAR PARKING</B> </div> <bR> <div> Supporters travelling to the match from Dublin and the east are advised to take the Ballymahon Road slip-road off the by-pass and to avail of the car-parking facilities at Athlone Regional Sports Centre. Patrons coming in the opposite direction from Galway and the west are urged to utilise the large car parks at the Queen of Peace Church, Coosan, and/or at B & Q. </div> <bR> <div> Please respect neighbouring estates and do not block driveways or “abandon” cars on green areas, etc. No parking will be permitted on the roadway close to the ground/Bounty. Kindly comply and co-operate with Garda parking restrictions that will be in place. </div> <bR> <div> The success of and future staging of these prestigious games will be greatly helped by compliance with the above guidelines and any requests from the Gardai and/or official stewards on the night. Travel a bit earlier than normal to ensure you can park properly and considerately. </div> <div> Come along early and savour the atmosphere </div> <bR> <bR> <div> Galwegians pushed Belfast Harlequins all the way in a trilling encounter as they lost out 22-19 to the home side. </div> <div> Other quarter final results included a win for Clonakilty away to Terenure, Garryowen winning at home to St Marys College and Shannon beating UCD in Dublin. </div> <bR> <div> <B>Connacht help Ireland U20 to victory in Wales</B></div> <bR> <div> Connacht's Eric Elwood and Dan McFarland coached Ireland U20's to a memorable victory over Wales in the opening match of Ireland's U20 six nations campaign on Friday night in Swansea. </div> <div> Ireland won by 17-15 despite going down 15-0 after twenty minutes on the night. Connacht's Aidan Wynne (Buccaneers) and Andrew Browne (Galwegians) started the game for Ireland and after a great display will be hoping to have nailed down a spot on the starting 15 for the rest of the campaign. </div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>WILKO BACK IN WHITE</B></div> <div> Jonny Wilkinson only has to get through training over the next two days to win his 53rd cap for England – his first since that fateful day on November 22, 2003 when he sealed the World Cup with his dropped goal.</div> <div> Wilkinson is named at No 10 for the Six Nations opener against Scotland at Twickenham, his first at England’s home ground since May 2005, though then he wore the red of the Lions against Argentina. Outside him is debutant and former league star Andy Farrell in what will be a litmus test for new coach Brian Ashton.</div> <div> Ireland will attempt to play to its world ranking of fifth against eighth-placed Wales in Cardiff where fullback Girvan Dempsey wins his 70th cap at the expense of Geordan Murphy.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>CELTIC DUO FACE MUSIC</B></div> <div> Trevor Brennan and Gareth Thomas face an independent Dublin judiciary overnight after a spiteful Heineken Cup clash between their Toulouse side and Irish province Ulster 11 days ago.</div> <div> Thomas, who clashed verbally with spectators, will be out of Wales’ opening Six Nations match against Ireland if found guilty and banned.</div> <div> Former Ireland lock Brennan evoked memories of Manchester United hothead Eric Cantona, who did his best Karate Kid impersonation on one spectator some years ago, by allegedly assaulting an Ulster fan whom he claimed insulted his (Brennan’s) mother.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>IRB World Rankings</B></div> <div> (as at Monday 29 January 2007)</div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="1" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="367" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="VOID" RULES="NONE" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#000000 HEIGHT= 14 WIDTH="47"><div> <B>Rank</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#000000 WIDTH="57"><div> <B>Rating</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#000000 WIDTH="253"><div> <B>Country</B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF HEIGHT= 14 WIDTH="47"><div> 1</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF WIDTH="57"><div> 94.59</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF WIDTH="253"><div> New Zealand</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 15 WIDTH="47"><div> 2</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="57"><div> 85.94</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="253"><div> France</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF HEIGHT= 15 WIDTH="47"><div> 3</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF WIDTH="57"><div> 85.55</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF WIDTH="253"><div> Australia</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 15 WIDTH="47"><div> 4</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="57"><div> 84.71</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="253"><div> South Africa</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF HEIGHT= 14 WIDTH="47"><div> 5</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF WIDTH="57"><div> 84.68</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF WIDTH="253"><div> Ireland</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 15 WIDTH="47"><div> 6</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="57"><div> 79.61</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="253"><div> Argentina</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF HEIGHT= 15 WIDTH="47"><div> 7</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF WIDTH="57"><div> 78.68</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF WIDTH="253"><div> England</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 15 WIDTH="47"><div> 8</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="57"><div> 77.02</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="253"><div> Wales</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF HEIGHT= 15 WIDTH="47"><div> 9</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF WIDTH="57"><div> 76.81</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF WIDTH="253"><div> Scotland</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 14 WIDTH="47"><div> 10</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="57"><div> 73.86</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="253"><div> Samoa</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF HEIGHT= 15 WIDTH="47"><div> 11</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF WIDTH="57"><div> 73.15</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF WIDTH="253"><div> Fiji</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 15 WIDTH="47"><div> 12</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="57"><div> 72.79</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="253"><div> Italy</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF HEIGHT= 15 WIDTH="47"><div> 13</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF WIDTH="57"><div> 6<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >8.73</FONT></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF WIDTH="253"><div> USA</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 15 WIDTH="47"><div> 14</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="57"><div> 6<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >8.52</FONT></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="253"><div> Canada</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF HEIGHT= 14 WIDTH="47"><div> 15</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF WIDTH="57"><div> 68.37</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF WIDTH="253"><div> Romania</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 15 WIDTH="47"><div> 16</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="57"><div> 66.04</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="253"><div> Tonga </div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF HEIGHT= 14 WIDTH="47"><div> 17</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF WIDTH="57"><div> 65.33</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF WIDTH="253"><div> Georgia</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 14 WIDTH="47"><div> 18</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="57"><div> 64.95</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="253"><div> Japan</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF HEIGHT= 15 WIDTH="47"><div> 19</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF WIDTH="57"><div> 6<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >3.45</FONT></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF WIDTH="253"><div> Uruguay</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 14 WIDTH="47"><div> 20</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="57"><div> 62.82</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="253"><div> Russia</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF HEIGHT= 14 WIDTH="47"><div> 21</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF WIDTH="57"><div> 61.58</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF WIDTH="253"><div> Portugal</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 15 WIDTH="47"><div> 22</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="57"><div> 60.17</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="253"><div> Korea </div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF HEIGHT= 15 WIDTH="47"><div> 23</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF WIDTH="57"><div> 59.31</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF WIDTH="253"><div> Namibia</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 14 WIDTH="47"><div> 24</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="57"><div> 59.27</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="253"><div> Chile</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF HEIGHT= 14 WIDTH="47"><div> 25</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF WIDTH="57"><div> 57.84</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0000FF WIDTH="253"><div> Spain </div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><IMG SRC="41026930.jpg" border=0 width="294" height="147" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> <B>GLORY FOR CONNACHT YOUTHS!</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Connacht Youths / U18 News  27/01/2007  Connacht 12 Leinster 10 </B></div> <bR> <div> Connacht secured the youths inter-provincial championship for the first time in a dramatic final at Mullingar. </div> <div> Connacht, having defeated Leinster, Ulster and Munster in the league section, qualified for the final when they defeated Ulster. </div> <bR> <div> But it appeared for a time that their glorious season was going to end without silverware as they slipped 10-0 behind in the opening half of the final and were still trailing by five points going into the dying moments. </div> <div> But then captain John O’Brien produced a moment of magic to score an equalising try and fly-half Adam Kennedy landed the touchline conversion to seal a famous win and spark off wonderful celebrations. </div> <bR> <div> Connacht kept their composure when Leinster got in for two first-half tries and got back into contention when Billy Henshaw created the opportunity which finished with Shane Conneely and Liam Carpenter diving over for a try which gave Connacht real hope. </div> <bR> <div> Leinster led 10-5 at the interval but while Connacht were on top for long periods of the second-half, it looked like they were going to be denied before Connemara’s O’Brien produced the try which won the title for Connacht.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Heres an irreverent forcast for the year ahead</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>So you thought court battles in England, political disunity in South Africa, New Zealand getting the 2011 Rugby World Cup, and Barbados's near miss with World Cup qualification were all surprising? In an unpredictable world, anything could happen...like this scenario for 2007 for example.</B> </div> <bR> <div> <B>JANUARY:</B></div> <div> The French clubs, led by Serge Blanco and Bernard Laporte, bring their boycott of the 2007/8 Heineken Cup forward so that Laporte can spend a fortnight conducting physical tests on his international players in Marcoussis. French clubs thus withdraw from the Heineken Cup immediately, leaving countries from the other five nations to scrap it out for quarter-final places, still no Welsh or Scottish teams qualify though. In the south, the Spears are re-instated into South Africa's five Super 14 franchises, with the Bulls offering to concede their place in the interests of transformation.</div> <bR> <div> <B>FEBRUARY:</B></div> <div> The Six Nations kicks off. Italy blow a woefully under-prepared France away in Rome, while England and Scotland scrap out a 3-3 draw at Twickenham and Ireland roll to victory in Cardiff. In the Southern Hemisphere, the Super 14 kicks off, but due to Graham Henry's insistence on rest and recuperation for his possible RWC players two of the New Zealand franchises are forced to borrow a couple of players from the opposition for the opening matches. Later in the month, Irish Six Nations organisers are left with egg on their faces when they organise an orangeman parade as pre-match entertainment for the Ireland-England match at Croke Park. </div> <bR> <div> <B>MARCH</B>:</div> <div> Italy are crowned Six Nations champions after their backs run Ireland's ragged in a scintillating 43-6 victory. But some doubt is cast on the legitimacy of the Italian team, whose heroes of the match are Gonzalez, Balfour, and Jones. An investigation is launched. In the Super 14, South African teams fill the top five places, with the Spears top of the pile after their bonus-point 20-0 win in Christchurch.</div> <bR> <div> <B>APRIL:</B></div> <div> The Heineken Cup semi-finals are both all-England affairs, both going to extra-time after dour 6-6 draws. Neither is settled in extra time, and so the RFU decrees that Wasps and Leicester will be in the final. Premier Rugby is not amused, believing it should have been Gloucester and Sale, and takes the RFU to court, leaving the playing of the final highly unlikely. New Zealand's 150-strong international squad returns to Super 14 action, but are so short of match fitness that the Kiwi teams fail to win a single match.</div> <bR> <div> <B>MAY:</B></div> <div> No Heineken Cup final, and with English clubs refusing to play until the RFU and Premier Rugby sort out their differences, there is no Premiership final either. The Spears take the Super 14 comfortably, crushing the Waratahs in the final. Border takes the Magners League title, having won every match in 2007, and in front of a raucous 25,000 crowd.</div> <bR> <div> <B>JUNE:</B></div> <div> England's squad is so decimated by injury in South Africa that they are unable to play the second Test. Jonny Wilkinson survives the tour unscathed though. Graham Henry puts out his U21 team against the French after the first team wins 47-3, the youngsters promptly win 48-3, and Henry applies to the IRB to enter both New Zealand islands as separate entities in the Rugby World Cup, and to SANZAR for the same in the Tri-Nations.</div> <bR> <div> <B>JULY:</B></div> <div> SANZAR agree to Henry's request, reneging on a previous agreement to give Argentina first refusal on any extra tournament place. NZ North and NZ South each go through the first two Four Nations matches against SA and Australia unbeaten, then share eight tries in a 28-28 draw.</div> <bR> <div> <B>AUGUST:</B></div> <div> NZ North and NZ South each go through the return two Four Nations matches against SA and Australia unbeaten, then share eight tries in a 28-28 draw. But South are awarded the trophy because they have Dan Carter and Richie McCaw. </div> <bR> <div> <B>SEPTEMBER:</B></div> <div> The Rugby World Cup kicks off in France, but with the French air traffic controllers, train drivers, barmen, and restaurateurs on strike and the farmers blockading all the motorways, the atmosphere is a tad muted, and a couple of teams don't make it into France at all. Fortunately, that gives NZ the chance to split into two islands again, and they promptly sweep all before them.</div> <bR> <div> <B>OCTOBER:</B></div> <div> NZ North and South are in one RWC semi-final, with Australia taking on South Africa in the other. This time, NZ North and NZ South are separated by penalties, with Dan Carter missing the crucial shot from in front of the posts. South South Africa beat Australia in the other semi-final, then their backs cut NZ North's to shreds in the final to become the second country to win the World Cup twice. A day later, one of the waitresses at NZ North's Paris hotel is mysteriously arrested, with the police saying only that she is called Suzie.</div> <bR> <div> <B>NOVEMBER:</B></div> <div> Europe's domestic leagues get back underway, and all clubs manage to unite on a Heineken Cup agreement the night before the tournament starts, with revenue shared according to the results of a game of spoof played in ERC's boardroom. The backlog means that all clubs are playing a match every three days.</div> <bR> <div> <B>DECEMBER:</B></div> <div> The RFU and Premier Rugby go to court after the RFU insisted that Premier Rugby should ensure all Premiership pitch turfs were cut to the same length as the Twickenham turf as it was crucial to the future of the England team. The Premiership is put on hold once again while the dispute is resolved, and the RFU arrange four extra England fixtures for the following year. In France, Stade Français take to the field in skintight off-pink chiffon all-in-ones, and then go to Bayonne and record a record victory.</div> <bR> <div> <B>And then to 2008...</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Following the sell-out crowd for the game against Munster, tickets are now on sale for the visit next Friday of another former Heineken Cup winning club, Bath Rugby. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Connacht will be hoping their support are in buoyant mood come Friday after hearing that Bath will be bringing over 400 of their own supporters to the Sportsground for this European Challenge Cup 5th Round tie. Bath, who reached the semi-finals of the Heineken Cup last year, come to the Sportsground next Friday (kick-off 7 pm) for a return clash in the European Challenge Cup. Connacht were pipped by Bath when they clashed at the Rec earlier in the competition and Michael Bradley’s side will be hoping to reverse that this time round. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Following the capacity crowd of 4,560 for the Munster game, fans have been advised to purchase their tickets in advance for the first ever visit to Galway by the famous English club. </B></div> <div> <B>Connacht Commercial and Marketing Manager, Fiona Keys, said there is a big interest in the game and has urged fans to purchase tickets in advance. “There was a huge demand for tickets for the Munster game. Indeed, it brought it home to season tickets holders just how valuable a season ticket is. </B></div> <div> <B>“We were thrilled to see such a huge crowd behind Connacht and would urge fans to come out and get behind the side for this clash with Bath,” she said. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Tickets for the game can be purchased online at:</B></div> <div> <B> connachtrugby.ie  or from the Connacht Rugby Headquarters at the Sportsground (091-561568).</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Connacht 8  Munster 14</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>A brave Connacht display came up short against the European champions at the Sportsground. </B></div> <div> <B>Connacht, having defended superbly against a galeforce wind in the opening half, seemed poised for their first win over Munster in 20 years when a Ray Ofisa try edged them 8-6 in front five minutes after the restart. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Munster were then reduced to 13 men when Ronan O'Gara joined John O'Sullivan in the sin-bin. </B></div> <div> <B>However, Connacht were unable to get enough possession after that to close out the deal. </B></div> <div> <B>The superb condition of the Sportsground surface ensured the match went ahead but a galeforce wind and driving rain ruined any prospect of good rugby for the capacity 4,560 crowd. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Munster led 6-3 at the interval having played with the elements with Jeremy Manning landing penalties after 24 and 32 minutes in response to the opening score, a Mark McHugh penalty after 21 minutes into the teeth of the wind. </B></div> <div> <B>Munster never looked like scoring a try in the opening half as Connacht defended with discipline and determination. </B></div> <div> <B>but Munster hit back at the end of the third quarter when Tomas O'Leary got their only try to push them 11-8 in front. O'Gara sealed victory with a late penalty as Connacht had to be content with a bonus point. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>SCORERS: </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Connacht: </B></div> <div> <B>Try: Ofisa         Pen: McHugh </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Munster: </B></div> <div> <B>Try: O'Leary   Pens: Manning (2), O'Gara </B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> Connacht<B>: </B></div> <div> <B>D Riordan; D Yapp, P Warwick, G Williams, K Matthews; M McHugh, C Keane; B Wilkinson, J Fogarty, S Knoop; D Gannon, A Farley; J Muldoon, R Ofisa, C Rigney. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Replacements: M Swift for Gannon, 13 mins; B Sturgess for Knoop, 60 mins; A Flavin for Fogarty, 62 mins; M Lacey for Ofisa, 70 mins; J Hearty for Matthews, 75 mins; T Robinson for Wilkinson, 79 mins. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Munster:</B><B> </B></div> <div> <B>C Cullen; T O'Leary, B Murphy, L Mafi, S Payne; J Manning, P Stringer; D Hurley, F Sheahan, F Pucciariello; D O'Callaghan, C Wyatt; J O'Sullivan, D Wallace, J Coughlan. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Replacements: P O'Connell for Wyatt, half-time; R O'Gara for Manning, half-time; T Halstead for Murphy, half-time; J Hayes for Hurley, half-time; D Leamy for Pucciariello, 82 mins. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Referee: D Keane (IRFU).</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>A NEW ERA FOR IRISH RUGBY</B></div> <bR> <div> Ireland rugby will have a new home when the Six Nations kicks off in February.</div> <div> Lansdowne Road, the spiritual home of the game in the Emerald Isle since 1876, is being levelled and men such as Brian O'Driscoll and Ronan O'Gara will have to carve their reputations on the turf of Croke Park.</div> <div> Croke Park is the home of Gaelic Football, and until now the two codes have never been close, but the capacity of the new ground is 82,500, making it one of the largest stadia in Europe.</div> <div> Ireland, now ranked third in the world of rugby, farewelled Dublin's landmark Lansdowne Road in style by hammering the Pacific Islanders 61-17 </div> <bR> <div> <B>ROBINSON RESIGNS</B></div> <bR> <div> England coach Andy Robinson has resigned with immediate effect saying, "following last Saturday's match against South Africa my position remained that I was confident that I would coach the England team through to a successful World Cup in 2007, not withstanding the setbacks that we have had through the autumn.</div> <div> "It is my understanding that I had, and still have, the support of the England players and the England management team. However, in the last 48 hours, I have been advised by senior colleagues that those who have governance over me - the RFU management board - do not, and will not, continue to support me as England head coach."</div> <div> But there is no clear replacement for him.</div> <div> Andre Pretorius' boot sunk England 25-14 last weekend, the eighth defeat in nine tests for Robinson, who succeeded Sir Clive Woodward in 2004.</div> <div> Waikato coach Warren Gatland, a man with an affinity for the England game through his success at London Wasps, has seen his name bandied around in the UK media, but Waikato chief executive Gary Dawson says such speculation has no foundation.</div> <div> Gatland re-signed a deal with New Zealand's champion province to the end of 2007, by which time he may be a contender for the All Blacks job should Graham Henry stand down after the World Cup.</div> <div> Gatland is assisting the Chiefs in the 2007 Super 14.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>SAILOR'S SHIP GOES DOWN</B></div> <bR> <div> Wendell Sailor will need to find another day job over the next two years but still expects to play professional football again. </div> <div> He has exhausted all his legal avenues after unsuccessfully appealing the Australian Rugby Union judiciary's ban handed down after he tested positive for cocaine following an April 16 Super 14 match. The former NRL and Waratahs star winger's defence argued that his use of the Class A stimulant could not be considered performance-enhancing. Sailor says he used the drug four days before taking the field against the Brumbies and that there was scientific evidence to prove that cocaine was a short-acting performance- enhancing stimulant that lasted less than two hours. The judiciary however ruled that it was irrelevant whether Sailor took the drug "one hour, 10 hours or 100 hours before the game." </div> <div> Sailor told the London Daily Telegraph that he was "hoping for some leniency here because I've never taken drugs to enhance my performance. This was stupid more than anything. To cop two years leaves a bitter taste in my mouth." </div> <div> He also says he expects to continue his rugby career in Japan or France once his ban is served, despite the prospect of being 34 by that time</div> <bR> <div> <B>JONAH RETURN LOOMING</B></div> <bR> <div> Former All Black and star of the 1995 World Cup Jonah Lomu is likely to continue his recovery from his debilitating liver illness Nephrotic Syndrome by taking the field for North Harbour next month in the Air New Zealand Cup.</div> <div> Lomu was this week named by Harbour coach Allan Pollock in his final 28 man squad to contest the Air New Zealand Cup which commences on July 28. </div> <div> Lomu played his first game of New Zealand club rugby in three years last weekend, but lasted only 30 minutes after rolling his ankle. It is unclear whether he has re-injured the same ankle he broke while playing for Welsh Celtic League club Cardiff Blues last year. </div> <div> Pollock says that it is unlikely that Lomu will in the playing 22 for his team's opening round ANZC fixture on July 28. </div> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>