Planet Rugby: Biarritz Olympique, soon to meet Munster in the Heineken European Cup final in Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, produced one of their better performances of the season in thrashing Toulon 53-7 in the French Championship last Friday night.
They had far too much against a team languishing second last in the table, and Biarritz coach Patrice Lagisquet professed satisfaction that his team not only won but also avoided injuries. He described the victory as one of their better performances, fluent and cohesive.
Leinster stars pretty in pink
In the old days professional soccer players used save up money and invest in pubs as part of their retirement plans (not everyone could turn a shilling as easily as the former Manchester City player Francis Lee, who made his millions from toilet paper).
In latter years, many have become football pundits, like the former England striker Gary Lineker and the former Ireland defender Mark Lawrenson. But what do rugby players do to boost their bank accounts?
Judging by how many names are associated with the clothing label Eden Park, it seems the fashion trade is their cup of tea. Forget Michael Cheika and his global enterprises. David Humphreys, Gavin Hastings, Keith Wood, Killian Keane, Lawrence Dallaglio, Jonathan Davies and Steve Thompson are all connected to the label in shops across Ireland and Britain.
Felipe Contepomi and Robert Kearney were the two latest to show their faces at the Powerscourt Townhouse branch of Eden Park last week.
The famous pink bow-tie and name come from the more famous stadium in New Zealand after two French internationals, Franck Mesnel and Eric Blanc, came up with the idea in 1987.
Messrs Kearney and Contepomi, for what it's worth, look lovely in pink.
Fijians investigate pitch death
Fiji's labour minister, Kenneth Zinck, has promised a full investigation into safety standards at club rugby matches on the island after a player died recently. Prop Namani Kuru died while representing his Kuku team against Vuci in a Tailevu Rugby Union game.
Reports of the circumstances are conflicting but it appears clear there were no doctors or paramedics present.
It is reported Kuru collapsed during a second-half stoppage in play and 10 minutes elapsed before a decision was made to rush him to hospital.
"It is the duty of care of those who organise these games to ensure that the necessary safety arrangements be put in place," said Zinck.
Ulster to play waiting game
Is there anyone out there who does not yet understand that television dictates what time rugby is played even if it means the fans are discommoded?
Ulster Rugby hope to build up what they describe as "an amazing pre-match atmosphere" on May 5th by having a stilt-walking samba band, fire jugglers and face painters at Ravenhill Road prior to their Celtic League match against Cardiff Blues. As well as that bundle of fun, fans will be able to watch, on a big screen inside the ground, the Ospreys battle against Munster from 7.10pm.
Ulster Rugby also plan to have flags, balloons and other treats for lucky fans, who will only have to wait until 9pm for the Ulster game to kick off. So arrive around seven, wait two hours and spend almost two more hours watching the match.
It's either that or television because with that kick-off time you won't read much about it in the papers the next day.
But hey, the bar should do well.
Triple Crown goes to paperback
The IRFU have brought out an official 2006 Triple Crown magazine in association with Permanent TSB to commemorate Ireland's achievements in this season's Six Nations Championship.
It focuses on how Ireland managed to garner their eighth Triple Crown and includes, as the blurb says, "exclusive interviews with Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll, secondrow Paul O'Connell, forwards coach Niall O'Donovan, as well as a match-by-match review of the championship by Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan".
The 58-page special also offers "profiles on all the players, a pull-out colour poster, the views of the fans, tournament statistics and a competition to win two tickets to Ireland v France in Croke Park (2007)".
Not alone is the Triple Crown win marked by such reading material. There are also limited-edition Ireland jerseys and T-shirts to mark the occasion. And yes, a DVD is coming soon. The 2006 Triple Crown magazine is 4.95 at newsagents.
Fortey twins make history
It may be a quiz question in years to come. Who were the first twins to play on the same side in the Guinness Premiership in England? The answer is Chris and Lee Fortey. They started for Worcester Warriors against Newcastle at the weekend.
The 30-year-olds - Lee is the elder, born 15 minutes before Chris - ply their trade in the front row. Lee is a prop, Chris a hooker.
