DAX held off a spirited second-half London Irish fightback to secure a comfortable victory, marred only by a shoulder injury to French international full back Richard Dourthe.

Dourthe, who fell heavily and had to be replaced by Herve Labat, was expected to play for France in the Latin Cup against Italy and Argentina in October but could now be out of action for at least three weeks.

Labat went on to score two penalties and kick two conversions as Dax made their superiority pay.

Irish, having been 9-0 down at half-time thanks to three Dourthe penalties, grabbed a try through prop Gary Halpin in the 45th minute and scrum-half David Humphreys kicked the conversion.

But then Dax turned on the power, scoring three tries in 19 minutes from number eight Laurent Hairabetian, centre Christophe Pomme, and outhalf Mathieu Dourthe. Humphreys tried to keep Irish in the hunt with four penalties but they were unable to turn the tide.

England have agreed to pay Bath £100,000 compensation to secure the services of Clive Woodward, who is expected to be confirmed as national coach on Monday.

Woodward, the backs coach at Bath, has agreed a three-year contract worth £150,000 per annum.

The compensation compares favourably with the £400,000 the RFU would have had to pay to prise Ian McGeechan away from Northampton.

If the RFU's board of management confirm his appointment on Monday, Woodward could supervise next Wednesday's meeting of the 77-man England squad.