Rugby News round-up: The Celtic League will retain its 22-game, home and away format for at least the next two seasons, but the Celtic Cup is to be redesigned to make it an end-of-season knock-out tournament for the top eight finishers in the league.
These were the main outcomes of the Celtic League Association's board meeting which was held in Dublin yesterday. The Irish delegates were John Hussey (who chaired the meeting) and the IRFU's chief executive, Philip Browne, while Phil Anderson and Jim Gracie represented Scotland, and Bob Norster and Ken Hewitt were the Welsh delegates.
Their decision ensures that the best team over 22 games is crowned the league champions.
But it should also ensure greater interest toward the end of the campaign than currently exists this season, for which only the top three remain in contention.
In another significant change, it has been agreed that Celtic League matches will not be played on the weekends of Six Nations games. That will appease the Irish and Scottish provinces, especially Leinster, Munster and Edinburgh, to some extent, although it means Leinster will miss out on Friday night games in Donnybrook when visiting Welsh or Scottish supporters might swell attendances.
Nonetheless, the Irish provinces particularly will be disappointed that such a numerous and arduous campaign has been retained; they would have preferred it be reduced to no more than about 16 matches.
The 2004/2005 Celtic League campaign will start on either the last weekend in August or the first weekend in September, and will be completed by the end of April.
The Celtic Cup competition will take place in May, with the quarter-finals and semi-finals being completed before the European Cup final on May 21st/22nd. The Celtic Cup final will be played on May 28th/29th at an international venue in one of the three countries.
"Having examined many options, and taken into account the differing rugby and business needs in all three countries, the board has endorsed the 22-game Celtic League programme for at least the next two seasons," said Celtic Rugby's tournament director, Keith Grainger.
"We have been delighted with the progress made during this first season of the home and away league campaign. The World Cup made life difficult for a number of clubs, but the level of rugby has steadily improved and the crowds, which have grown during the season, have enjoyed some top class entertainment."
Meanwhile, St Mary's have moved quickly to replace Brent Pope and begin preparing for their attempt to regain promotion from Division Two by appointing Steven Hennessy and Peter Smyth as the club's first team coaches.
Hennessy, a former club captain, returns to the helm having worked with Hugh Maguire, now forwards coach at newly-promoted Trinity, when a free-scoring and expansive St Mary's side reached the AIB League semi-finals in 1999.
Smyth is also a former captain at St Mary's. The Leinster hooker, who rebuilt his career after illness and injuries, recently cut short his time at Rotherham, who are bottom of the English Premiership.
The club's president, Ossie Fogarty, commented: "I am extremely pleased that Steve and Peter are coming on board to help rejuvenate the club and get it back to its rightful place in the All-Ireland League."
Ben Gissing, one of Leinster's few success stories in a disappointing season, has been voted the Bank of Scotland (Ireland) Player of the Month for March.
