Provincial contract talks begin

The IRFU will meet representatives from the four provinces today to discuss contracts for the 1999-2000 season. Coaches Mike Ruddock (Leinster), Harry Williams (Ulster) and Glenn Ross (Connacht) are expected to attend, but Declan Kidney (Munster) is in Wales coaching Ireland in the Under-19 World Championships.

Each province has already submitted the names of about 26 players for the union to consider, and today's meeting is simply a preliminary discussion on the allocation of contracts. National contracts will be dealt with separately and negotiated by the union with the individuals concerned.

The final size of the provincial squads may not be agreed until the end of April, as it will depend largely on the number of players who receive national contracts. The IRFU's objective in enticing players home from England may slow to a trickle, primarily because of the large number that returned to Ireland last season.

Ireland captain Paddy Johns has already confirmed his return to Dungannon, and rumours suggest that he may be joined on his return home by Malcolm O'Kelly. The majority of the Division One clubs would covet his signature and O'Kelly may be persuaded to quit London Irish. Harlequins prop Gary Halpin may also return, and has been linked with Blackrock College.

Ireland coach Warren Gatland will today name the senior and A squads for the matches against Italy in Dublin next weekend. The latter selection may contain several surprises, including one or two names new to the Irish public.

Meanwhile, Cork Constitution have named 17 players for Saturday's Division One clash with Ballymena at Temple Hill. The back line remains unaltered from the last day, as Munster wing John Kelly is still out injured. A late decision will be made on loose head prop, as Ian Murray and Philip Soden are carrying injuries, and in the second row where the club await a medical report on Ken Murphy's damaged hand.

Cork Constitution: B Walsh; A Horgan, Conor Mahony, Cian Mahony, D O'Brien; R O'Gara, B O'Meara; I Murray or P Soden, F Sheahan, J O'Driscoll; D Sheehan, D O'Callaghan or K Murphy; D Corkery, U O'Callaghan, J Murray.