VICTOR COSTELLO and Malcolm O'Kelly, two of the five London Irish players who have made themselves available for their provincial sides for the European Cup despite the club's refusal to release them, have been chosen on the Leinster side to meet Llanelli at Stradey Park on Saturday.

International tight head prop Paul Wallace, released by Saracens, is also in the side. "We are delighted to have all three players available to us," said Leinster manager Jim Glennon.

In the midst of all the turmoil, another international, Ken O'Connell of Sunday's Well, perhaps significantly a back row forward, yesterday signed for London Irish.

In addition to the inclusion of O'Kelly and Costello in the Leinster side, it can be taken as certain, too, that London Irish second row Gabriel Fulcher will be named in the Munster side to meet Milan on Saturday when the team is announced this evening.

Richard Wallace, released by Saracens, is another very likely choice by Munster. David Humphreys and Jeremy Davidson, the two other London Irish players who opted for their province, will be named on the Ulster side it will be announced tomorrow - to meet Caledonia in Perth on Sunday. So too will Paddy Johns, who has also been released by Saracens.

London Irish must now decide what form their disciplinary - or retaliatory - action will be taken against the five players whom, the club claims, are in breach of their contracts.

Yet the attitude of the players yesterday was that they are not walking out on contracts with London Irish. Fulcher said: "I told the club I was travelling back to play for my province in the European Cup and will continue to play for the club in the Courage League. My availability for the European Cup was my clear understanding when I signed the contract with the club.

Costello said: "The basic issue is that when I signed I did so on the understanding that I would be available for the European Cup. In fact the club coach, Clive Woodward, offered encouragement in that respect and said he wanted as many of us as possible to play in the European Cup because he believed it would help our game.

There was no mention of our availability being dependent on how the club would be placed in the Courage League." Costello said.

It is quite possible that one or two of the players may seek release from their club contracts.

A London Irish club official said yesterday: "We have our business to get on with and matches to play, including a European Conference match against Swan sea on Saturday. No decision has been made on what action will be taken in relation to the players who have decided to play for their provinces. We will let the dust settle and see what happens."

O'Connell is obviously undeterred by recent events, but he is not a member of either the Munster or Ireland squads. He travelled to London yesterday to sign what I understand is initially a shot term contract.

He was capped twice in 1994 and toured Australia that summer with the Ireland squad. He said yesterday, before he travelled to London: "I greatly regret leaving Sunday's Well, but this is very good opportunity which I feel it is in my best interest to take."

The Ireland manager, Pat Whelan, who London Irish are adamant threatened their players that they would not be selected for Ireland if they did not play with their provinces, rightly resents the use of the word "threat". So too does IRFU president, Bobby Deacy.

Whelan said yesterday: "As far as I am concerned the matter is now over. My attitude to European competition is the same now as it has always been. I have stated consistently that I consider European competition of crucial importance to the players in the national squad.

"I greatly regret the way the issue has evolved. It is my responsibility to act in the best interests of the national team. In doing that I was forced to take sides in a situation that I did not create," Whelan said.

"When players decided to go to England I was happy that it was to London Irish they went, because of their special association with Irish rugby. I felt it was better that they go to London Irish than any other club for that reason.

"I also felt more comfortable because of the guarantees I had, written and otherwise, and were constantly given about the players availability for the provinces. The club is well aware of that and the specific commitments they gave. I accepted those commitments without reservation and in good faith and acted upon them. I do not think I have to offer further elaboration or explanation," Whelan concluded.

The inclusion of O'Kelly and Costello in the Leinster side represents two of six changes made from the team that lost to Connacht last Saturday. Five of the alterations are in the pack. Ireland under 21 international Ray McIlreavy gets his chance in the centre in the only back line change due to the shoulder injury sustained by Martin Ridge last Saturday.

Alain Rolland still holds off the challenge of Ireland captain Niall Hogan at scrum half. Wings David Coleman and Den is Hickie, who both missed the match last Saturday, were not considered because of hamstring injuries.

Meanwhile, Munster yesterday got confirmation that Bristol will release flanker David Corkery for the European Cup. Bristol had initially refused to release Corkery and outside half Paul Burke.

Unfortunately Corkery will not he fit to play against Milan on Saturday and is doubtful for the match against Cardiff.