All in the scrum

A rugby miscellany compiled by GAVIN CUMMISKEY

Just the ticket? Leinster looking for helpers 

THE good folk of Leinster Rugby and their programme publishers are looking for a few heads to flog the match day programme outside the Stade Chaban Delmas next Sunday.

Here’s the pitch: “WANTED!! Are you making the trip to Bordeaux next weekend for the Heineken Cup Semi Final? “OPublishing require a small number of people to sell the Official Heineken Cup Semi Final Programme on the day of the game.

“A basic wage plus commission will be payable to each person wishing to sell on the day. There is also the potential of receiving a ticket for the match free of charge.”

Hang on, “potential”. What does that mean? “Subject to availability”

We sent an email to the publishers with three questions: How much do programme sellers get paid?

How many will be employed?

How many tickets will be divvied out? The prompt response informed us that there is a 10 per cent commission on €5 programmes and they are seeking 10 able bodies.

They “hope” to give all of them a match ticket each. Closing date for applications is 10am today but it’s probably worth hardening up the ticket situation before signing up.

Aughrim RFC: Golf classic

IRELANDS newest rugby club Aughrim RFC are hosting a golf classic on May 24th in Arklow golf club in association with GOAL and the IRFU charitable trust.

Hickie in demand

FORMER Leinster, Leicester and London Irish hooker Gavin Hickie has been hired as forwards coach for the Junior All American team.

A successful coach at Belmont Shore High School in Long Beach, California, the St Mary's man also takes lineout clinics (see lineoutcoach.com) and is clearly well regarded within US rugby circles.

Top man: Kearney honoured

ROB Kearney was named Leinster’s Player of the Year at their annual awards held in the Mansion House on Saturday.

Ian Madigan’s (right) breakthrough season was rewarded with the Young Player of the Year award, while Terenure’s Eddie Thornton was inducted into the province’s hall of fame.

It was also a good night for Skerries RFC, named club of the year, while their own Ross McAuley won the club player of the year.

Leinster Rugby Annual Award Winners 2011/12:Players Player of the Year: Rob Kearney. Young Player of the Year: Ian Madigan. Try of the Year: Brian O'Driscoll. (Heineken Cup Quarter Final v Cardiff Blues) Wagamama Noodler of the Year: Fionn Carr. Guinness Hall of Fame Inductee: Eddie Thornton. Canterbury Club of the Year: Skerries RFC. Canterbury Club Player of the Year: Ross McAuley (Skerries RFC) Club Public Relations Officer of the Year: Jim Casey (Naas RFC) Ladies Player of the Year: Paula Fitzpatrick (St Mary's College RFC) Ladies Club Person of the Year: Mary McMahon (Old Belvedere RFC) School of the Year: St Michael's College. Special Merit Award: St. Conleth's College