Rugby: Negotiations expected to start with Gatland
Tuesday, 28 March 2000 22:52The IRFU are expected to open preliminary negotiations with Irish Senior coach Warren Gatland this week about an extension to his contract which expires after Ireland's Six Nations Championship match with Wales on Saturday. The likelihood is that Gatland will be offered a new two-year deal.
Gatland and the Irish management have had a major turnaround in fortunes since the devastating defeat to Argentina in the World Cup play-off at Lens, and the mauling by England in the opening Six Nations match at Twickenham. The management will name their team for their final match of the tournament against Wales tomorrow.
Predicting the composition of the side used to be almost as difficult as picking 6 numbers for the weekly Lotto. However the recent upsurge in form which has resulted in three wins in a row means that there will be few changes to the starting 15 for the final game against Wales. Rob Henderson was preferred last time out to Mike Mullins in the centre and it is expected that the Wasps centre will retain his position while on the wing a fit again Shane Horgan would replace Kevin Maggs. The injury to John Hayes is causing concern but the medical advice is that the Shannon prop will be fit enough to take his place in the front row.
Wales also have their injury worries, if centre Mark Taylor does not make it he will be replaced by Scott Gibbs while the influential Scott Quinnell has been ruled out with a shoulder injury.
In other news, the IRFU have announced a new playing kit sponsorship deal with Canterbury of New Zealand worth some £3 million over 5 years. As of next season Canterbury will be supplying all of Irelands home and alternative playing strips plus a range of branded training and leisure wear. The contract includes Irelands senior team, 'A' team, Under-21 and schoolboy teams.
