ULSTER WILL be without fullback Jamie Smith for their Heineken Cup tie in Biarritz on Sunday, and the next three weeks, due to a rib injury. There is also a concern about centre Darren Cave, who pulled up in last weekend’s win over Aironi, writes Gavin Cummiskey. Outhalf Niall O’Connor is back in contention with Stephen Ferris and BJ Botha.

Munster centre Sam Tuitupou, Clermont’s Jamie Cudmore, Cardiff’s Martyn Williams and the Scarlets’ Jonny Fa’amatuainu are in Dublin today for an ERC disciplinary hearings. Tuitupou has been cited for “lifting from the ground and dropping or driving a player into the ground” under IRB law 10.4 (j).

Scarlets coach Nigel Davies has offered Gavin Quinnell a coaching role with the Welsh region. The 26-year-old is blind in his left eye after an incident while playing for Llanelli against Cross Keys on October 2nd.