D'Arcy at the centre of another season award

Rugby News Round-Up: Gordon D'Arcy was named as player of the season at the Guinness rugby writers of Ireland awards in Dublin yesterday. It completes a clean sweep for the international centre who was voted the Players' and the People's player of the year, while he also topped a BBC poll as the outstanding performer in the Six Nations.

The achievement is even more praiseworthy considering D'Arcy missed out on the World Cup and only gained a place at centre for the French game in the Six Nations due to an injury to Irish captain Brian O'Driscoll.

Shannon RFC were voted club of the year after their victory over Cork Constitution in the AIB League final. At provincial level they retained the Munster Senior League title and also won the Munster Senior Cup for a record fifth consecutive season.

The Tom Rooney Memorial Award, presented for an exceptional contribution to Irish rugby, went to national coach Eddie O'Sullivan in recognition for his role in achieving Ireland's first triple crown in 19 years.

Bill Mulcahy and Noel Murphy were inducted into the hall of fame. Both made their international debuts in the victory over Australia in 1958, before representing the Lions.

Meanwhile, the Irish management said yesterday the injury to O'Driscoll had shown slight improvement. The team captain's back spasm is the major injury concern ahead of the squad's departure to South Africa on Saturday.

A Jason Leonard XV will play a Neil Jenkins XV this Sunday in the Millennium stadium (kick-off 3.30) in Cardiff as part of a joint testimonial, which has been dubbed the "Battle of the Centurions".

NEIL JENKINS XV: K Logan; J Thomas, A Bateman, S Gibbs, R Mustoe; N Jenkins, R Howley; J Davies, G Jenkins, B Evans, S Williams, C Wyatt, E Lewis, B Sinkinson, S Quinnell.

JASON LEONARD XV: M Perry; N Beal, N Greenstock, J Leslie, J Sleightholme; P Burke, J Grindall; J Leonard, D West, D Garforth, A Codling, B Davison, K Jones, N Back, A Vos.

Newcastle are finalising the details of a two-year contract which will lure Wales skipper Colin Charvis to Kingston Park. The 31-year-old flanker, who has 68 caps, is expected to unveil the Falcons as his new club today before jetting off for Wales' tour to Argentina and South Africa.