The Ireland squad concluded their two-day training session in Limerick yesterday but the 22man travelling party for next week's friendly match against Romania in Bucharest will not be announced until this morning. It is the first Irish session since the international season was brought to a premature close following the foot-and-mouth outbreaks in Ireland and Britain.
Both Paul Burke, fresh from Harlequins' European Shield success, and Kevin Maggs, who picked up knocks on Monday, were able to take full part in the session. Maggs will be released to play for the Barbarians against Scotland on Thursday as will Geordan Murphy, who is on the bench for the match but will probably get a run.
Leinster announced they will have the services of Australian international Nathan Spooner for next season. The IRFU and Australian Unions finalised papers on Monday night for the move. Spooner, who played against Ireland when they toured Australia two years ago, is contracted until the end of June with Queensland. The 26-year-old is expected to team up with the Leinster squad sometime in July.
The news is a boost to Leinster rugby and follows earlier confirmation that Ireland's Paul Wallace, Ben Willis, a New Zealand scrumhalf with an Irish passport, and Australian under-21 flanker Keith Gleeson are also on their way to Donnybrook.
England star Austin Healey has dropped a bombshell after telling Leicester he will quit the treble-winners if he is not made first-choice outhalf next season.
The Lions squad member helped Tigers complete the final leg of their Premiership title, Zurich Championship play-off and Heineken Cup treble last Saturday by beating Stade Francais 34-30 in Paris.
