LIONS: Clive Woodward will seek to raise the contentious issue of international training days with the home nations in an attempt to ensure the British and Irish Lions head to New Zealand as the best prepared squad to leave these shores.

The issue of player control and player access was central to Woodward's decision to stand down as England coach because he felt the Rugby Football Union had failed to build on the World Cup success.

Woodward intends to have more regular contact with clubs, trips to training sessions with the home nations, and even stints with Italy and France as they prepare to play New Zealand in the autumn.

"Lions training days are something I will have to look at. I am not saying we can, but I am going to try and get some time with the key players."

Meanwhile, Woodward has opened the door for three former England players - Martin Johnson, Neil Back and Lawrence Dallaglio - to return to the international fold following their retirements and become part of the Lions tour.

Woodward said: "The tour is open to anybody. It is important they say 'yes, I really want to play for the Lions'. It is not a case of me trying to persuade them."

DEVELOPMENT: The IRFU and Energia, the electricity provider, have established an advanced research programme at the University of Limerick for the benefit of Ireland's rugby development programmes, which was launched in Limerick yesterday, writes Gerry Thornley.

Commissioned by the IRFU and financed by Energia, the research into "Complex Training" will be carried out at the University of Limerick by Tom Comyns MSc, an international athlete who has represented Ireland in World Championships and Olympic Games. Comyns will work with Dr Liam Hennessy (IRFU national fitness director), Dr Drew Harrison (lecturer in Biomechanics and head of the UL research programme) and Prof Randall Jensen (a leading world expert in complex training).

The purpose of the research is to gain a greater understanding of how to get the best training effect for strength and power using complex training.

JUNIOR RUGBY:De La Salle Palmerston will host an open day at their Kilternan grounds this Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at which some Leinster players will attend. The club claims the fastest growing youth section in the province, with over 250 members. The club's website is www.dlspfc.com.

JONAH LOMU: Former All Black winger Jonah Lomu is running again, less than two months after having a kidney transplant.