Irish tour is in more doubt after SARFU meeting

Ireland's tour of South Africa is under increased threat after SARFU president Louis Luyt resisted further calls for his resignation at a meeting of the union.As the Irish management continued to prepare for the tour, the IRFU said they were concerned with yesterday's developments.John O'Sullivan "The union cannot make any definite comment on the present situation," the union said in a statement. "Obviously the union are very concerned at the developments in South Africa in so far as they may affect the tour taking place. The matter will be considered as soon as it is verified and communicated to the IRFU."In the meantime, Keith Wood has been restored to the Ireland squad for the tour of South Africa. Ireland's captain during the Five Nations Championship replaces Newcastle's Ross Nesdale, who has had to withdraw because of injury.Wood originally sought permission from Irish coach Warren Gatland not to travel to South Africa because of physical and mental fatigue and recurring injury niggles. His request was granted with the Irish management selecting Allen Clarke (Northampton), Bernard Jackman (Clontarf) and Nesdale as the three hookers for the tour.Nesdale's withdrawal because of a knee problem which will require surgery forced a re-think on the matter and Wood was approached again about his availability.The inspirational hooker said: "Because of the unfortunate injury sustained by Ross and the enforced withdrawal of such a senior player from the tour, I am very happy to make myself available and I will now look forward to joining the tour for the final five matches."Wood will miss the opening two games of the tour, linking up with the Irish squad for the remaining five matches. His presence will not affect an earlier decision to make Paddy Johns captain of the touring party. Wood is quite happy with his subsidiary role as he returns to an arena in which he thrived with the Lions last summer.It means that two of Ireland's four Lions, Wood and Paul Wallace, will return to the country where they enjoyed a marvellous 2-1 series triumph.A South African tour was also on the agenda when the Welsh Rugby Union's general committee meet in Cardiff last night. A press conference is planned for this morning."A meeting of the general committee has been called to make decisions on three matters," said a WRU spokesman."These issues are the South Africa tour, the WRU technical committee's recommendation as to the future of national coach Kevin Bowring, and the Union's Extraordinary General Meeting later this month."Wales's proposed five-game visit overlaps with Ireland's tour, their opponents including Natal, Gauteng Falcons and the Emerging Springboks.Wales face South Africa in Pretoria on June 27th.If the Irish tour goes ahead, supporters will be able to fall the matches live on Sky television, who have secured the rights. All matches will be screened live, including the two Tests, on two of the Sky Sports channels.Paul Wallace has won the Allied Dunbar/Rugby World Player of the Month award for April.The Irish international, who will line up for Saracens in tomorrow's Tetley's Bitter Cup final against Wasps at Twickenham, pips Newcastle lock Doddie Weir for the award. Saracens fly-half Michael Lynagh was third.Wallace has been in superb form all season, standing out as a Saracens ever-present during their march towards the top of the Allied Dunbar Premiership.He was also an outstanding success during last summer's Lions tour to South Africa, overcoming strong opposition from within the squad to clinch a Test place.