All in the scrum

Compiled by JOHN O'SULLIVAN:

Fiji ban: New Zealand refuse to budge over coup issues

NEW Zealand’s ban on players with ties to the military or government in Fiji will not be lifted for the Rugby World Cup that starts in September.

It may force South Sea islanders to ask the International Board (IRB) to intervene on their behalf after the Kiwis refused to budge on the stance they took following the 2006 military coup in Fiji where they imposed sanctions.

New Zealand foreign minister Murray McCully pointed out: “I’m mystified as to why they think we need to spell out a clearer message – banned means banned. If you’re part of the military you’re not coming.

“If you’re part of the government, if you’re a regime appointee, you don’t get to come.”

McCully’s remarks come after the newly-elected chairman of the Fiji Rugby Union, Col Mosese Tikoitoga, asked for clarification on the travel ban for the World Cup.

At present it is unclear how many players would be prevented from representing Fiji, although the island nation will send a team.

The latter will ask the IRB to intercede on their behalf but it seems unlikely that the Kiwis will move on their decision.

Northampton anger: Mallinder claims Tuilagi deserved red card over punch

NORTHAMPTON Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder claimed Leicester Tigers’ Manu Tuilagi should have been sent off for an incident involving Chris Ashton during Saturday’s English Premiership clash between the teams at Welford Road.

The Tigers centre somehow escaped with just a yellow card after punching Chris Ashton eight minutes before half-time in the 11-3 victory.

Mallinder fumed: “First of all, you can’t have players taking players out, and you can’t be hitting players directly to the head, punching.

“Chris Ashton did go over and give him a push, but you cannot react with three punches to the head without a red card.

“It would have had an effect on the game, because they would have been down to 14 men.

“But Leicester played well in the second half - it is fine lines. When you come to places like this, you don’t get the 50-50s.”

What do Luke Fitzgerald (Ireland and Leinster), Alex Corbisero (London Irish and England) and former underage internationals Ian Keatley (Connacht), Eoin O’Malley (Leinster), Dave Moore (Harlequins), Eoin Griffin (Connacht), Shane Conneely (Connacht), Ivan Dineen (Munster) and Dave O’Callaghan (Munster) have in common?

Well for one they all attended the Rugby and French school outside Biarritz for a summer camp, on one or more occasions.

In their 12th year, Rugby and French – (www.rugbyandfrench.com) – are offering their language and sport programme in the south of France. The intensive skills coaching as well as surfing, sailing and kayaking lessons is aimed at boys aged 11-18.

For those interested places are still available starting at €900. Contact 087 2393372 /087 2448868 or www.rugbyandfrench.com.

On this day

MAY 16TH, 1950: Ireland’s Jack Kyle enchanted the crowd at Rugby Park, Greymouth, with a virtuoso performance from outhalf in a Lions jersey as he crossed for a hat-trick of tries in the Lions 32-3 victory against West Coast.

During that particular tour of Australia and New Zealand, Kyle played in 20 of the 29 games including all six Test matches. He had an influential part to play in a 9-9 draw with the All Blacks and also scored a try in a 24-3 win over Australia.

European Rugby Club App: For past and present results

DEREK Quinn and James Hall have produced a new app for the iPhone and iPad that should pique the curiosity of most rugby fans, especially those who may be looking to settle an argument.

Developed by Sporting Oracle Ltd, the European Club Rugby App will appeal to rugby enthusiasts.

The European Rugby Club App provides access to results across the four main European rugby tournaments, a database of match results for the Heineken Cup, Magners League, Aviva Premiership and Amlin Challenge Cup, the app will be one of several providing information to rugby fans which will be available over the next month.

There is also the facility to search through previous European and English Premiership Rugby results since the introduction of the competitions. The European Rugby Club App is available for iPhone and iPad and can be purchased at (http://itunes.apple.com/ie/app/rugbyapp/id429675712?mt=8#) for 79 cent.

Quinn admitted: “As rugby fans we wanted to be able to go to one place where we could access historical results across a range of championships. We are thrilled to have developed an app to do just that. We believe it will become a useful resource for rugby fans, players and commentators – official and unofficial!”