European Cup;Leicester Tigers new head coach Marcelo Loffreda is going find it increasingly difficult to ignore the claims of Ian Humphreys, younger brother of former Ireland outhalf David, after another polished performance for the English club's second string.
The 25-year-old scored 17 points in Leicester's 47-5 win over Newcastle in the Guinness A Premiership, to maintain a place-kicking success strike-rate of over 85 per cent this season. Humphreys also made one try and scored another, his own effort a trademark score.
He stepped inside two defenders and raced 50 metres, outpacing three pursuers for a fine individual score. Given the paucity of attacking imagination demonstrated by the Tigers' first choice backline in losing to Leinster at the RDS last Saturday, Humphreys' recent performances must have nudged him closer to the first team match squad.
He played several games for the Tigers last season, notably when Leicester ended Munster's proud unbeaten record at Thomond Park. Another Irishman to shine in Leicester's most recent A match was hooker Gavin Hickie who has made a big impact since returning from injury. The former Leinster and St Mary's College player made the first team squad at the end of last season but then picked up a shoulder injury. The Tigers signed Mefin Davies and Benjamin Kayser while England international George Chuter remains the first choice hooker. Leicester host Edinburgh in the second round of European Cup matches this weekend.
Meanwhile, John Hayes will be named in Munster's squad for their clash with ASM Clermont Auvergne at Thomond on Sunday. Coach Declan Kidney will confirm an extended squad at lunch-time today and the Bruff prop, who was forced to retire at half-time in the defeat by Wasps, has recovered quickly.
Tomás O'Leary (pneumonia) is definitely out but Ian Dowling, a late withdrawal from the game in Coventry, will be available.
Meanwhile, Toulouse are likely to have Jean Boulihou, Fabien Pelous and Cedric Heymans available for the Leinster match on Sunday after all three have recovered from injury. All Black Byron Kelleher should be added to the squad.
Leinster, Munster, Ulster and Connacht will confirm their squads for European Cup fare at lunch-time today with the latter taking on Spanish side El Salvador at the Sportsground .
