A rugby miscellany, compiled by GAVIN CUMMISKEY:
Hooked on Ireland
IT IS always an interesting adventure to peek in at an Irish squad training session in the week leading up to the first Six Nations Championship match of the season.
So it was that a familiar figure, although not one of Declan Kidney’s assembly, was standing around in an Irish tracksuit.
Could it be the shape of things to come that Leinster hooker Richardt Strauss (above) was familiarising himself with the set-up in the year he is due to become eligible (October) to play for Ireland?
Media days not a big hit with Jamie: Heaslip might be advised to keep tongue in cheek
JAMIE HEASLIP has repeatedly admitted his desire to one day captain Leinster and Ireland but he may have to work on his communication skills. Some regard it as a vital part of the gig and it's something incumbents Leo Cullen and Paul O'Connell might also tell him.
He was obviously talking tongue-in-cheek when the irishrugby.iecamera started recording at yesterday's media day in Carton House.
Question: “Jamie Heaslip, is this one of your favourite days of the week?”
Answer: “Worst day ever. Karl Richardson [IRFU communications manager]runs probably the worst media day ship ever, I must say, so (looking into camera) sack him IRFU.”
Unprompted, he continued: “The media have their agenda. They like hyping up things and when you boil it down to the basics it is not that interesting but somehow they manage to write a couple of pages about it.”
Heaslip also repeatedly claims to never read the newspapers.
Another Heaslips joke: “It boils down to what happens on the pitch so really they shouldn’t be able to write anything until after the game.” Lol. Lmao. Ha. Great craic altogether.
IT SEEMS certain now that Ulster coach Brian McLaughlin’s contract will not go beyond the end of this season.
The former RBAI teacher had to make a call on staying at Ulster for this season or taking his old job back. He chose Ulster and his school job is no longer there.
Now it appears that he could be looking around for another coaching position next season. Former Ireland and USA coach Eddie O’Sullivan has been seen around Ravenhill in recent times (now wouldn’t that sit well with Declan Kidney), although that could be due to his work as a pundit, while the prospects of former Italy coach John Kirwan appear to have been dismissed.
South Africa has treated the province well with players and the word is that it may do so with a coach too.
The life of Brian: BOD has the Last Word tonight
BRIAN O’DRISCOLL to play at the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England? Go away.
"I wouldn't put any limitations on where I want to go and what I want to achieve," the currently injured 33-year-old tells Matt Cooper on Today FM's Last Wordshow this evening.
This will be the first Six Nations since 1999 that O’Driscoll will not feature but he is adamant the 2011/12 season is not a write-off.
“I definitely see myself playing hopefully at some stage this year, definitely next year and then you just have to listen to how you’re feeling, both from a body and mind point of view. If you’re in decline, I’d like to go out on a high, but if you still have a lot to offer . . . I certainly feel I’ll be around for a little time yet.
“You know what, I’m not putting a final date on when I’m finishing because the body will give up before the mind will.”
But he remains confident of adding to his 123 Test appearances (including six for the Lions).
“I definitely needed some time off after the World Cup irrespective of whether I needed an operation or not.” So, maybe see you next summer in New Zealand?
