Mel Deane, the Sale centre, has been surprisingly called up to Ireland's tour party to New Zealand, following the withdrawal of Shane Horgan.

Deane, who was born in Longford and is 27, played for Buccaneers when Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan was in charge there and for Connacht when Glen Ross was coach. When Ross moved to Sale as coach he signed Deane and Bernard Jackman two seasons ago.

A former Ireland A player, Deane has been in scintillating form this season and has the versatility to play in several positions. He was previously called up for the senior squad's get-together in Belfast in March.

Deane's promotion will be disappointing news for Munster centre Mike Mullins, and Munster fans will be disappointed as it follows the earlier omission of David Wallace.

Meanwhile, Munster's Jason Holland may yet join the squad after he gets married on June 8th, also in New Zealand. Holland will remain on stand-by for Ireland to play against the country of his birth, in the country of his birth.

Tom Walkinshaw is to retire from his position as chairman of the Premier Rugby, part of the umbrella organisation responsible for England's 12 Premiership clubs.

Millionaire motor-racing boss Walkinshaw's decision also means that he will retire from his position of the England Rugby board, the joint venture between Premier Rugby and Rugby Football.

Harlequins' Charles Jillings will take over as Premier Rugby chairman for a two-year term, with Premier Rugby's chief executive Howard Thomas replacing Walkinshaw on the England Rugby Board.