OUTSIDE-HALF Eric Elwood, who has been under treatment for a hamstring strain, was yesterday passed fit for Ireland's match against Wales in the International Championship in Cardiff on Saturday.

After the disruptions earlier in the week, when first hooker Allen Clarke and then wing James Topping had to withdraw, it was all good news yesterday from the Ireland camp when the squad trained at the University of Limerick.

Elwood took a full part in the sessions, as did the second row pair Paddy Johns and Jeremy Davidson, who have recovered from the flu.

"We are very happy with Eric Elwood and he has no adverse reaction at all to the training," the team manager, Pat Whelan, said. "He has trained well all week without any difficulties.

"Paddy Johns and Jeremy Davidson have recovered and they, too, trained without any difficulties. Unless there is some reaction in the morning, and we do not anticipate that there will be, then we will have no problems and no further disruption," added Whelan.

"The problems earlier in the week were unfortunate and a bit disruptive, but they are behind us now," said Whelan.

"It does not help when some of your team are unable to train, but the great benefit has been that Brian Ashton has had more time with the players and that has been very beneficial. He had only a few days with the players, before the match against France.

The news from the Welsh training session yesterday was not equally encouraging. Having already lost centre Allan Bateman, the indications are that Wales may also be without scrum half Robert Howley. Howley has been having extensive treatment on a shoulder injury all week and had been unable to train.

He did train yesterday, but coach Kevin Bowring sounded what is an ominous note: "We controlled the amount of contact he took and we will test him tomorrow. He will make his own decision as he knows his own state of fitness. If Robert is ruled out, Paul John is ready to start - he may well deserve his chance in any case.

John has won three caps, but this would he his first appearance in the championship. If John plays, then Andye Moore (Richmond) will come in on the replacement bench from the A side.

The other Welsh players under treatment - hooker John Humphreys, prop David Young and number eight Scott Quinnell - are all expected to be fit.

The Ireland party will fly out this afternoon. They will visit the Arms Park tomorrow but it is unlikely that they will do much, if any, training in Cardiff.