THE Ireland manager, Pat Whelan, is still not prepared to offer passive acceptance of the decision of the London Irish club not to release their players to play for the Irish provinces in the European Cup.
But whatever about that ongoing saga, there are major injury problems for the Munster and Leinster selectors as the provinces prepare for European Cup matches next Saturday. Eddie Halvey is definitely out of the Munster side and Martin Ridge is out of the Leinster team.
Whelan called the London Irish players in the national squad together last night and spoke to them about the decision and their attitude to it. Whelan called the meeting after the Ireland squad had completed two training sessions at the Civil Service ground in Belfast yesterday.
Whelan said: "I am looking at all my options and I still retain hope that the London Irish players will play in the European Cup." He was also due to contact IRFU president Bobby Deacy. "I spoke to the London Irish players because their club gave specific guarantees that the players would be released. There is disappointment and understandable annoyance on this issue." Whelan added that a statement on the matter will be issued today.
Whatever action, if any, the players take is likely to be collective. But that could cause contractual problems. There is no doubt that some, at least, still want to play for their provinces. The London Irish club chief executive Duncan Leopold said last Friday that none of the players had release clauses for the European tournament in their contracts. He also said that the club would issue a statement after the weekend. That is being awaited with interest.
While injuries restricted the activity of some of the squad yesterday, Harlequins hooker Keith Wood, called into the squad at the weekend, because of an injury to Paul Cunningham, made a welcome return. Wood missed all last season after a shoulder operation. However, his form with Harlequins so far this season has been deeply impressive.
Jonathan Itell, who did not play for his club Northampton on Saturday because of a dead leg, was joined by a goodly number of the squad on the treatment table. Munster flanker Halvey has a chipped bone in an ankle and will be out for 10 days, therefore he will miss Munster's match against Milan next Saturday. Captain Mick Galwey has an ankle injury, but is optimistic that he will be fit. Their hooker, Paul Cunningham, whose back injury prompted the call for Wood, and centre Brian Walsh (achilles tendon) were also restricted. So was Leinster wing Denis Hickie (hamstring) and centre Maurice Field (foot).
Leinster, who play Llanelli next Saturday, have major injury problems. In addition to the problem about Hickie and Ridge - Ridge has a dislocated shoulder and will miss the European Cup campaign - second row Neil Francis has a knee injury. While Francis's injury is not as bad as initially feared, he is very doubtful for the match on Saturday. Hooker Mark McDermott has a strained neck muscle and scrum half Alain Rolland a knee injury.
Dean Oswald and Chris Pim, who missed the match against Connacht, are also under treatment. There is more hope that Pim (knee injury) will be fit than there is about Oswald (hip). One of Leinster's other problems is the availability of number eight Kevin Spicer. He is likely to be required by Oxford University next Saturday.
The provinces will have the Saracens trio of Paddy Johns (Ulster) Richard Wallace (Munster) and Paul Wallace (Leinster). Munster also harbour hopes that Bristol will, after all, release flanker David Corkery. They had initially refused the release of Corkery and Paul Burke. Burke will not be released, but Johns now looks certain to be in the Ulster side to meet Caledonia in Perth next Sunday.
