Dunne close to signing for Bath

In keeping with the merry-go-round theme of this time of year, Andy Dunne is close to moving from relegation threatened Harlequins to Bath.

Bath team manager Jon Allen yesterday confirmed the club were in an advanced stage of negotiation with the former Leinster outhalf. Although director of rugby Jack Rowell negotiates all player deals, the imminent departure of head coach John Connolly has slowed any formal announcement of a two-year deal.

Connolly is a long-term admirer of Dunne, having made enquiries about his availability when in charge of Stade Francais. The Australian coach will stay in charge in a temporary capacity until a replacement is unearthed.

"We have been talking to Andy Dunne," said Allen. "I cannot confirm he has signed terms with the club although Jack Rowell had reached an advanced stage in the process."

The 25-year-old signed for Harlequins in the summer of 2003 but the presence of Jeremy Staunton and more recently Welshman Arwel Thomas has seen the former Irish under-21 and sevens international slip down the pecking order. He's made just nine appearances, five from the bench, this season.

Dunne's former Belvedere College and Clontarf team-mate James Downey has signed a one-year contract with Connacht despite overtures from French club Narbonne.

Downey's commitment for another season is timely as Bernard Jackman and Peter Bracken have already moved on, while number eight John O'Sullivan is yet to sign a new contract.

The news that Michael Bradley would not be taking over at Munster proved crucial for players mulling over offers from sunnier climes. "A lot of guys signed on the back of that," said Downey. "Personally, I get on very well with Michael and he is an excellent coach."

Downey went west last year in search of game time after struggling to find a regular place in the star-studded Leinster midfield. Despite having his season disrupted by a broken collarbone, consistent hard-running displays drew offers from several French clubs and may yet find the 24-year-old a seat on the plane for Ireland's summer tour of Japan.

"I have enjoyed my rugby this year as it's a great set-up in Connacht. Obviously, I prefer to be playing every week instead of holding tackle bags and making way when the internationals return."

Meanwhile, the ERC has confirmed French clubs will be rewarded with seven European Cup places for next season with the English clubs' quota reduced to six. The final place for next season will be decided in a play-off between Cardiff and an Italian team, probably Calvisano, on May 29th.