Planet Rugby

Munster fans' kind deeds: The Munster Supporters Club certainly epitomised the season of goodwill in two recent gestures.

On December 11th, before Munster's Heineken European Cup match against Castres Olympique at Thomond Park, they ran a function at Dolan's Bar, Dock Road in Limerick. Michael Corcoran (RTÉ) and Currow legends Moss Keane and Mick Galwey gave their time to participate in a Q&A session that was enjoyed by all present.

The event was a sell-out and resulted in a contribution of €800 being made to the Bluebell ABA School for autistic children in Limerick.

The Bluebell School opened this year and operates Applied Behaviour Analysis for autistic children. The only school of its type in the mid-west, it provides one-on-one education for each of its current five pupils (with a waiting list of more than 10) with each child having an individual educational plan.

The supporters club's second act of generosity was to organise, in conjunction with Value Centre Cash & Carry, Carey's Road, Limerick, a draw whereby the members suggested charities to receive two hampers which were donated by Value Centre.

Following receipt of all entries, a draw was made and the winners were Rathfredagh Cheshire Home, Newcastle West, Co Limerick and St Michael's Home for the Elderly, South Main Street, Bandon, Co Cork.

Sponsored Blarney: It seems bookmaking firm SportsSpread.com recognise a good opportunity when it presents itself as they have agreed to sponsor London Irish RFC's e-zine, The Blarney. The Dublin-based telephone and internet sports spread betting firm will offer gambling opportunities to the magazine's reputed 10,000 readership.

TF1 land World Cup deal: Rugby World Cup Ltd (RWCL) have appointed French broadcasting organisation TF1 as the host broadcaster for Rugby World Cup 2007 in France, after a competitive tender process.

RWCL managing director Mike Miller said, "RWCL is delighted to be working with TF1, France's biggest broadcaster. TF1 has vast experience in the broadcasting of major world sporting events. The appointment is wonderful news for French rugby fans who will be able to see every match live from RWC 2007 and RWC 2011, either on TF1 or on Eurosport France.

"The interest in these rights was unprecedented. We received tenders from all four major broadcast organisations - TF1, France Television, Canal Plus and M6. All the presentations were impressive but TF1 exceeded all the others in its commitment to promote and market the Rugby World Cup, allowing us to reach new audiences and grow the game of rugby in France," said Miller.

TF1 are France's largest terrestrial (free-to-air) broadcaster and enjoy 34 per cent of the country's television audience. A minimum of 20 live matches will be shown free-to-air for both RWC 2007 and RWC 2011. In addition, the other 28 matches will be shown live on their fully-owned Eurosport France channel - the country's largest satellite sports channel.

There will also be dedicated prime time news coverage on both TF1 and LCI, TF1's dedicated satellite news channel. TF1 were the official French broadcasters for the 1991, 1995 and 1999 Rugby World Cup tournaments, and the 1998, 2002 and 2006 (the best 24 matches) FIFA football World Cup. They also hold the broadcast rights for the Formula One grand prix series, the UEFA Champions League and matches involving the French national football team. They are part of the European Broadcasting Union consortium that will broadcast the 2012 Olympic Games.

The latter involvement could spell good news for RTÉ who will hope to screen Ireland's games live and sundry other matches.

Exiles unite for Culhane: Amateur and professional rugby will unite on January 26th in support of 26-year-old Vinny Culhane, a prop forward who suffered a serious neck injury playing for the Wild Geese, the first team of London Irish Amateur RFC.

The Wild Geese won the Surrey League on April 6th, 2002 but that memorable occasion was marred by the injury that dramatically altered Culhane's outlook. The injury necessitated emergency surgery to save his life and was followed by several months in Stoke Mandeville Hospital. The initial prognosis was he would be permanently confined to a wheelchair.

Since then, through his drive and determination, Culhane has regained some use of his legs and his quality of life has improved. However, he faces many challenges now and in the future and he recognises that over the years there is a distinct possibility that he may regress. Crowds, cold weather and temperature changes have caused him to fall. Despite a number of valiant efforts he has been unable to work since his accident.

The London Irish club's injured players' fund has provided him with significant financial support since the injury occurred. However, given his difficulties in working, it is now aiming to raise a further £100,000 to help him with his efforts to rebuild his life.

It has organised a gala evening in the Copthorne Tara Hotel in Kensington at which guests will be entertained by Willie John McBride, former captain of Ireland and the Lions, and Fergal Keane, BBC journalist and author.

Among the past and present international players who have confirmed their attendance on the night are Justin Bishop, Mike Catt, Peter Clohessy, Kieron Dawson, Mick Galwey, Simon Geoghegan, Gary Halpin, Eddie Halvey, Ken Kennedy, Jason Leonard, Conor O'Shea, Rob Saunders, Fergus Slattery and Trevor Ringland.

The evening will feature a free draw for a Mercedes Benz A class car and an auction. Among the auction items is a rare signed jersey from the famous 1974 Lions tour to South Africa donated by Dr Ken Kennedy, a former captain and coach of London Irish. The event has already been sold out.

Culhane was a former pupil of St Munchin's School in Limerick where he won a schools' junior cup medal. He played for Shannon before moving to London where he played briefly for the Harlequins development team before joining London Irish.

The London Irish rugby "family" includes the professional club that competes in the Zurich Premiership and in Europe, and the amateur club that competes in Amateur Cup and league competitions in England. Both clubs are members of the Rugby Football Union. The Sunbury-on-Thames-based amateur club run five adult sides, the first team - the Wild Geese, play in London Division South-West 3.

The youth and mini sections are among the most successful of any club in the country. The injured players' fund was established after Culhane's accident. To date it has raised funds from members' donations, levies on annual membership subscriptions and various fund-raising events.