The ERC will hold a press conference in Dublin today to explain why Lansdowne Road was selected for the Heineken European Cup final on May 24th and why, given two French sides - Perpignan and Toulouse - are in the final, it will stay in Dublin and not move to the clubs' preferred venues of France or Barcelona.
The governing body of the competition intends to have both the French chairman of the ERC, Jean-Pierre Lux, and Chief Executive Derek McGrath in Dublin to outline why the final will go ahead at the Irish ground.
The conference arrives as stories from the French media report that the two clubs, despite an allocation of 15,000 tickets each, have not yet put them on sale. The suggestion is that both clubs hold out hope of the venue being switched and don't want to sell tickets to fans in case a change occurs.
A Toulouse official yesterday said the decision not to put tickets on sale was made for pricing reasons and the costing of flights to Dublin.
"Everyone in the club knows that the final will take place in Dublin," said the official. "It (not selling tickets) has nothing to do with that (venue). Nothing has been decided so far. Everything will be decided next Monday."
The inaugural Irish Rugby Union Players Association (IRUPA) players awards will take place next Thursday in the Burlington Hotel, Dublin. The dual-purpose scheme is being held to commemorate the launch of the IRUPA and also to celebrate an outstanding year for both domestic and international rugby. The five category winners will be chosen by leading players from the four provinces, making it a unique Irish player award.
IRUPA was formed to act as the voice of professional rugby players in Ireland and deals with issues which impact on the game as well as dealing with events affecting players' economic, social and employment concerns.
"Being voted best player by your peers is the highest accolade for all sports people. This awards ceremony will celebrate an outstanding year for Irish rugby and also raise much needed funds for the IRUPA Injured Players Fund," said Niall Woods, CEO of IRUPA.
Among the favourites to pick up the player of the year award are Ireland and Munster prop John Hayes, Ireland and Leicester winger/full back Geordan Murphy and Irish second row Malcolm O'Kelly.
The Green Giant Unsung Hero award will be presented to the player who has consistently performed at a high level but who might not have received the recognition he has fully deserved this season.
Munster's Jason Holland, Connacht full back Mark McHugh and Leinster and Blackrock centre David Quinlan are in the chase.
Nominations: Mira Players Player: John Hayes (Munster), Geordan Murphy (Leicester), Malcolm O'Kelly (Leinster); Green Giant Unsug Hero - Jason Holland (Munster), Mark McHugh (Connaght), David Quinlan (Leinster); Barker Insurance Hall of Fame-Nominations on May 8th: Tyrone Crystal Try of The Year: Gordon D'Arcy (Leinster), Rob Henderson (Munster), Wayne Munn (Connacht); Young Player of the Year: Mossie Lawlor (munster), Neil McMillen (Ulster), John O'Sullivan (Connacht)
