Compiled by GAVIN CUMMISKEY
Warwick: signs with Stade
STADE Français coach Michael Cheika has completed the capture of Munster's Paul Warwick as he continues to put his own stamp on the Parisian outfit. Warwick will join the French Top 14 club during the summer.
Munster had offered Warwick a one-year extension to his current deal but the province confirmed last month that he would be moving on, stating they were unable to match offers from abroad for the versatile Australian fullback/outhalf.
France was always the likely destination for the 30-year-old and Stade Francais confirmed yesterday that they have signed Warwick on a two-year deal.
Provincial progress: Munster Academy players fail to take next step forward
IRELAND UNDER-20s:RECENT concerns about the flow of talent coming from Munster were exacerbated this week when none of their academy players were selected for the Ireland Under-20s squad to play Italy last night.
At least, in a national context, this is offset by the progress of Leinster and Ulster players straight from the schools system.This time last year centre Alex Kelly and replacement outhalf Cathal Marsh were helping St Michael's College to a Leinster Schools' Cup final, while starting halfbacks Blaine McIlroy and Paddy Jackson were lining out for Methody College. Also, prop James Tracy was the Newbridge College captain last season.
It is also worth noting 10 of the Leinster/Ulster selection that hammered Munster/Connacht 68-0 at the opening of the Aviva Stadium last August have made the Irish 22 for last night's game in Parma. That day, Jackson, Marsh and Kelly were joined by Craig Gilroy (who can't get into Ulster's Heineken Cup squad despite crossing for at least one try every time he gets a Magners League start), Luke Marshall, UCD's Andrew Boyle, Peter du Toit from King's Hospital, Tracy and fellow prop Martin Moore along with Queen's lock William Ian Henderson. Connacht forwards Daniel Qualter and Aaron Conneely were on the wrong end of that scoreline.
Bad timing: Clubs caught out by Ireland v Italy start time
RESIGNATION ISSUE: THE scheduling clash between Ireland's Six Nations opener in Rome and most All-Ireland League fixtures today has caused plenty of consternation in clubs around the country.
The only Division One A fixture to have been changed from 2.30pm (same time Ireland and Italy kick-off) is Old Belvedere against Blackrock College at Anglesea Road, which is now 4.15pm.
However, this has led to the resignation of Blackrock director of rugby Michael Hearty, as both he and the Blackrock rugby committee were not consulted about the change which they had already been agreed upon with Old Belvedere. This was over-ruled by other club officers, making Hearty's position untenable.
In Division Three, the potential title decider between Seapoint and Instonians remains a 2.30pm start at Kilbogget Park.
Four clubs – NUIM Barnhall v Suttonians (12.30pm) and Connemara v Sunday's Well (1pm) - did manage to agree on early kick-offs.
Many supporters may watch the Six Nations in their local clubhouse but that will still reduce events outside to a mere footnote.
The IRFU recently announced a new title sponsor for the AIL but, yet again, it is the clubs who receive the short end of the straw.
Southern Hemisphere Italians
THE Azzurri are not yet strong enough to rely on home-grown talent with four men in tomorrow's starting XV born in the Southern Hemisphere.
Their latest outhalf is 30-year-old Kristopher Burton from Brisbane. Luke McLean at fullback is another Australian of Italian parentage who played under-19 for the Wallabies.
Up front, Kiwi Josh Sole wins his 47th cap on the blindside flank, and fellow Aironi forward Quintin Geldenhuys is a South African who qualifies on residency grounds.
Not that Irish people should be complaining. Leinster hooker Richardt Strauss should be available for selection next year.
Record run Gibson on top
THAT Mike Gibson still holds the record for Five/Six Nations appearances tells you all you need to know about the great Ulster centre who played for Ireland from 1964 to 1979. Jason Leonard fell just two games short of Gibson's 56 championship matches but Brian O'Driscoll should finish this campaign one shy of his predecessor's amazing record. John Hayes is equal with Leonard on 54, while Ronan O'Gara could yet equal Gibson off the replacements bench. The Munster outhalf is on 51 appearances. O'Gara (527) is also in an interesting individual battle with Jonny Wilkinson (529) to become the all-time points scorer in the competition.
