If the timing by the Celtic League committee had been a little better they could have had Eric Miller playing for Terenure this Saturday against DLSP. The Irish back row, who was shown a red card in Leinster's Celtic League final against Munster, ends his match suspension on Saturday at midnight.

The timing means he cannot line out for his club Terenure against DLSP in their All-Ireland League match and will instead play for the club's second XV on Sunday against Trinity.

Miller, who is in need of competitive match practice, was one of several players who did not complete yesterday's training session with the Ireland squad in Limerick.

The blindside and number eight began the session, but a tightening hamstring curtailed his movement and he took no further part. Other concerns surround Leinster's Gordon D'Arcy, who was forced to return to Dublin to have a scan on a shoulder injury, which he apparently sustained during the province's Heineken Cup match in Toulouse at the weekend.

The full extent of the injury will not be known until after the scan.

Another to return to Dublin for treatment was number eight Victor Costello, who has a damaged knee ligament, while Gary Longwell was also forced to stop training because of a stiff knee.

Malcolm O'Kelly provided good news. The second row travelled to Limerick on Tuesday night and took part in non-contact training. O'Kelly has a damaged cheekbone and eye socket.

The IRFU confirmed yesterday that current Ulster manager Joe Miles will assist coach Matt Williams as manager of Ireland A. Steph Nel, this season's Connacht coach, will be assistant forwards coach and former international centre Mark McCall assistant coach to the backs. Arthur Tanner is the team doctor, Frances Moran the physiotherapist and John O'Hagan the baggage manager.

Tickets for the Leicester- Leinster European Cup quarter-final at Welford Road on Sunday, January 27th, are available at the Leinster Branch offices in Donnybrook from 10.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. The prices are: gold stand €38; silver stand €30; bronze stand €24; terrace €20.