A round-up of today's other stories in brief
Hepworth one to watch
This column was told as it conducted exhaustive research to identify the player - it proved to be Johnny Hepworth - that Leinster were chasing earlier in the season. In the course of combing the possibilities we were informed by a distinguished member of the Exiles set-up that one possibility could be a wing called Mike Roberts, who is Irish qualified.
Last season the 23-year-old played his rugby with Newcastle before agreeing to join Glasgow during the summer.
He came on as a replacement for the Scottish side in the recent Celtic League game against Ulster at Ravenhill, making an impact in his relatively short time on the pitch.
On Saturday he was a half-time replacement for Graydon Staniforth in the European Cup match at the RDS when Glasgow took on Leinster, scoring a try and making a couple of decent breaks.
At six foot three, a wafer thin mint under-16 and a half stone and his age profile he might be a future target for an Irish province.
Come on boys step right up and let's start the bidding. Incidentally Worcester's Australian born, Irish qualified Drew Hickey is probably worth a look, although he's an ancient 27.
Irish trio play their part
Yesterday's amazing European Cup game between Leicester and Stade Francais at Welford Road proved to be a pretty good occasion for the two Irish players that started in the Tigers colours.
Openside Shane Jennings produced a towering first-half performance before unfortunately having to retire injured with the shoulder problem that had plagued him in the lead up to the match.
He was singled out for especial praise as was Irish international Geordan Murphy, who provided most of the game's few moment of real skill.
His chip and chase should have led to a try in the first half but then he gave the scoring pass for the Tigers two late tries that saw them overcome a 22-12 deficit and turn it into a 29-22 victory.
Murphy's exploits were rewarded in his being named the European man of the match. Another Irish international Leo Cullen came on during Leicester's grandstand finish and also contributed handsomely.
Sidelined by injury
In highlighting the excellent performances of several Irish players based in other countries it's important to note that one or two others have been dogged by misfortune.
David Quinlan has suffered a couple of injuries that have kept him sidelined at Northampton, thereby giving him more time for contract negotiations but the fate of former Ulster and underage international centre Seamus Mallon is even worse.
He will be out for the remainder of the season with a knee injury.
New Munster line-up
It seems that two of the great scholars of modern times George 'Bernard Shaw ' Hook and Moss 'B' Keane will be signing copies of their literary masterpieces in Limerick next Saturday ahead of Munster's European Cup clash with the Sale Sharks at Thomond Park.
And they would be in this column's top five, all joking aside,as both books are worth investing in as sports books - yes we know George's isn't strictly about sport for those of you about to pen a letter - of the year.
According to Trish Brewitt one of the organisers there will also be a Question and Answer session with Hook, Keane, Peter Clohessy and Tony Ward.
Anyway the idea is a joint initiative between the Munster Supporters Club, Limerick Corporation, Shannon Development, Limerick Co-ordination Office and the Limerick City Traders. Other events include jersey signing in the Munster Rugby store, on-street entertainers and live music. All events are free and details will be available in shops around Limerick city.
Batty puts the boot in
It seems that Grant Batty hasn't changed much from his playing days if his recent comments on the decision to appoint Eddie Jones to the Queensland Reds coaching position, when Jeff Miller steps down, are to be considered.
Batty, the diminutive if legendary former All Black wing, of whom it was once observed that he could pick a fight in a mortuary, settled in Queensland some years ago. Jones, sacked from Wallaby coaching after a nightmare year, has been appointed as the replacement for Jeff Miller as the Reds coach for 2007's Super 14, taking over in June 2006.
Batty has coached at school and club level and was an assistant coach during John Connolly's tenure in charge at the Reds, a team that struggled in 2005, finishing 10th with just three wins in 11 matches.
The New Zealander also queried the Reds' decision to allow Jones help with coaching the Japanese club Suntory Sungoliath. Australian Associated Press reported Batty as saying: "I'm unsure if he's the appropriate person given his recent track record. I don't mind putting him on notice. Some doubt his capabilities with a struggling Super 14 team. He's a very smart character with an impressive CV, including Super 12 coach of the year. But look at the cattle he had (at the Brumbies). Look at the team he took over. Rod Macqueen had built a great foundation." He obviously hasn't forgotten how to get his tackles in early.
