A round-up of today's other Rugby stories in brief...

June window problem for O'Neill

AUSTRALIAN RUGBY Union boss John O'Neill was not mincing his words at a recent meeting in Hong Kong. His ire was directed at the below-par or second-string squads northern countries have sent to Australia and New Zealand in June, only for the same nations to cash in, when the Wallabies and All Blacks send full-strength squads to Europe.

Central to O'Neill's concerns has been that not only are Australia and New Zealand disadvantaged in terms of ticket sales but that teams, like the one that will step on to Croke Park on Saturday, boost both the coffers and the playing experience of their northern rivals.

"The unarguable reality is that the June window is a concern for the Southern Hemisphere," said O'Neill. "Hopefully out of this meeting the north has a greater appreciation of the fact that a continuation of them sending under-strength teams into our backyard cannot be tolerated on rugby or commercial grounds."

Back to school blues for French

IN THESE days of international matches and global villages etc, it is interesting to hear that French players are being forced to take English lessons just to communicate with the majority of players in their club sides.

The huge number of foreigners playing in the French top 14 has been highlighted in recent times with this season boasting 207 foreigners from 22 countries. It is shortly to be boosted by All Black outhalf Dan Carter going to play with Perpignan for the rest of the season.

That number equates to an average of just under 15 players to every club. Brive, however, has the highest number at 24, closely followed by Toulon, which has 22 Johnny Foreigners on its roster.

But . . . why don't they all just learn French?

'Big ask' time for O'Leary and Ciprani

IRELAND SCRUMHALF Tomás O'Leary and England outhalf Danny Ciprani go into their respective games at the weekend against New Zealand and Australia with what they say in rugby are 'Big Asks'.

Cipriani has made only two starts for England in his fledgling professional career, compared to his opposite number, Matt Giteau's, 62 caps as well as two World Cup campaigns.

O'Leary, who is making his second appearance in the green shirt, after two minutes on the wing in last year's Test match in Sante Fe, faces Jimmy Cowan, who has played 19 times for the All Blacks.

New guide to help Irish clubs

FOR A rugby club to be sustainable, it must, according to the IRFU, be run like a small business. Accordingly, the governing body have announced details of the new Facilities and Event Planning Guide.

The guide is basically a blueprint on how to run a club properly and contains all of the guidelines to ensure they can build a quality environment for players, supporters and the occasionally over-looked volunteers.

It includes the best practice for clubhouse amenities, weight training facilities, floodlighting and pitch standards and event management.

Part of the plan also deals with the development of clubs as the IRFU strive to develop a quality game both on and off pitch. Presumably, though, there is no mention of what players, in the modern game, should be paid.

Rolland to referee All Blacks 

WHO SAYS rugby referees have a tough job? Former Ireland right-handed batsman and right-arm, medium pace bowler and current IRB referee, Alan Lewis whistled in the first game of the All Blacks tour against Australia on November 1st in Hong Kong. He was ably flanked by Irish assistants, George Clancy and Peter Fitzgibbon.

Not to be out done, Ireland's Alain Rolland will be in the frame for the All Blacks match against England on November 29th, with Clancy again acting as assistant, this time with Wales' Nigel Owen. South Africa's Mark Lawrence will blow for Saturday's match in Croke Park.

Enviable record for Henry

GRAHAM HENRY, the All Blacks coach, has built up an enviable record over the years. Out of a total of 99 international matches with Wales, the Lions and New Zealand, Graham has won 75, drawn 1 and lost 23. In the 60 matches with his All Blacks since 2004, Henry has won 52 and lost only eight.