Sport

Ireland may take on Barbarians

BECAUSE the Ireland players are not involved in any tours this summer, the IRFU is considering a proposal for Ireland to play…

By EDMUND VAN ESBECK
Tue Apr 02 1996 - 01:00

BECAUSE the Ireland players are not involved in any tours this summer, the IRFU is considering a proposal for Ireland to play the Barbarians at Lansdowne Road on the weekend of May 18th-19th.

The receipts from the match would, I gather, go to Co-Operation North and the IRFU Charitable Trust Funds. I understand that the IRFU has been guaranteed a Barbarian side of international strength.

There was discussion on the match last Sunday when the IRFU officers met former internationals Hugo MacNeill and Trevor Ringland, two of the people behind the proposal, at Lansdowne Road after the union officers had met representatives of the clubs involved in the All Ireland League.

There was a reluctance yesterday to elaborate on the fixture going ahead but IRFU secretary Philip Browne said: "It is true that there has been a suggestion for a match, against the Barbarians but no decision has been taken. No firm date has been finalised and I do not want to add anything to that at this stage."

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The suggestion of a match was made tentatively two weeks ago, the weekend of the England Ireland international at Twickenham. The meeting between the IRFU officers' and MacNeill and Ringland followed on Sunday.

The Ireland manager Pat Whelan said yesterday: "I knew the fixture had been mooted and was informed about the possibility of the match taking place, but no definite or firm arrangements had been put in place. I believe it would have to take place no later than the weekend of May 18th-19th. It would obviously serve a purpose, but really it is a matter for the IRFU."

One problem about playing the match on May 18th is that, because of the postponements of three All Ireland League matches last weekend and the fact that they have been refixed for April 27th, quarter final cup ties scheduled for that date have had to be put back. Consequently it is possible that the senior provincial cup finals in Leinster, Munster and Ulster could be played on May 18th, unless chubs agree to play quarter final or semi final ties in midweek. Because of the rearranged league matches provision has been made to extend the domestic season if necessary to the weekend of May 18th-19th.

The Barbarians last played at Lansdowne Road early last season when they defeated South Africa in a memorable encounter. The Barbarians only other appearance at Lansdowne Road was 25 years ago when they played in a match to celebrate the centenary of the Wanderers club.