The Ulster Branch have denied media reports that David Humphreys could be moving to South Africa.

Newspaper reports in South Africa suggested The Stormers, the Super 14 team based in Cape Town, had talks with the 34-year-old, 72-cap international and were confident of reaching a deal. But the Ulster Branch insist no Super 14 team has been in contact with them about acquiring the outhalf's services.

Humphreys is under contract with the province until June 1st, and the parties are discussing an extension beyond that.

Stormers coach Kobus van der Merwe was quoted: "Ireland are thinking of saving him for next year's World Cup by giving him a sabbatical . . . Humphreys has a contract with Ulster and there are one or two complications getting him out of that, but I am positive about our chances of getting him."

Meanwhile, France's Jerome Thion, who suffered a fractured larynx after being elbowed in the throat by John Smit, said he had received two apologies from the Springbok captain.

Thion, who returns to club action for Biarritz Olympique against Toulon today, was caught in the first half of France's 26-20 victory over the South Africans on November 26th.

"He sent me an SMS text message and, more surprising, a letter posted in Bayonne," the lock said. "His agent was probably in the region."

Hooker Smit was suspended for six weeks, starting on January 14th, the opening day of the new season in South Africa.

England coach Andy Robinson faces starting the Six Nations without the two flankers who played in the November Tests.

Worcester's Pat Sanderson has not played for three weeks because of a back injury, fuelling fears he may not return this month, and Leicester's Lewis Moody is serving a nine-week ban for punching during the win over Samoa. He will be free to play again in the week of the Wales international but will be short of match fitness.