DISCUSSIONS ON the establishment of a Universities' European Cup, including a proposed format for the competition, have seen the project progress considerably in recent weeks.

It is hoped to inaugurate the competition next season and obviously sponsorship will be a primary requirement.

If current plans come to fruition, the competition will embrace 16 universities. England will have six representatives in the competition, Ireland four, Wales two, France two, Scotland and Italy one each.

The Irish Universities won the Triple Crown this season and will be touring Australia in the summer.

Meanwhile, former Ireland prop John Fitzgerald has turned down the opportunity to take over as player coach with the Waterpark club.

Fitzgerald, who is 35 and won 12 international caps, has always played for Young Munster and intends to stay with the club.

It is likely that he will use his experience in a coaching capacity next season.

Approaches were also made to two other internationals Mick Galwey (Shannon) and former Ireland hooker and captain Terry Kingston (Dolphin) about their availability and possible interest in taking the player-coach role.

Both players have intimated that they are not available to take up the position.