THE Ireland jersey will, for the first time, carry a sponsor's logo in the match against Scotland at Lansdowne Road on Saturday.
Although the manufacturer's name has been on the jersey for some time, no other logo has previously appeared on an Ireland shirt. However, on Saturday they will bear the logo of the sponsors, the Irish Permanent Plc.
The A team will also have a sponsor's logo on their jerseys. So, another long standing tradition passes into history.
Ireland manager Pat Whelan confirmed yesterday that second row Neil Francis has been passed, fit to play in the match a medical examination. Francis missed the Ireland training sessions on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning because of a chest infection, which has cleared up.
Whelan also said that he expects left wing Simon Geoghegan to be able to take a full part in the training sessions scheduled for today and tomorrow in preparation for the match. He, too, did not take part in the sessions last Saturday afternoon or on Sunday as a precautionary measure because of a slight thigh strain.
A decision on whether flanker Victor Costello will be fit to play for the A side against Scotland at Donnybrook tomorrow will be announced today. Costello has been under treatment for a groin strain.
The Ireland team will train at Anglesea Road today around 11.30 a.m. and at College Park tomorrow. The A team will train today at the Greystones ground at Dr Hickey Park. Both teams assembled last night.
. Ben Clarke has reported fit for England's International Championship opener against France in Paris. England's number eight had been doubtful for Saturday's match after limping around last weekend with a groin injury.
But he took a full part in yesterday's training session as the squad assembled for their trip and manager Jack Rowell confirmed: "He is playing."
But England have lost their first choice cover for the back five of the pack when Tim Rodber went home still suffering from knee and ankle problems. That means a recall for England's most popular player, Dean Richards who will sit on the bench instead of Rodber.
