Northampton have failed with an appeal against the 18 week ban for back row Neil Best. It means the former Ulster forward will definitely miss out on the Autumn internationals.

The Ireland backroom staff has been confirmed with Paul Pook becoming the new Strength and Conditioning coach. He joins Declan Kidney's staff up to and including Rugby World Cup 2011.

British and Irish Lions head coach Ian McGeechan has announced that an initial squad of 60 players will be announced in January. The panel will then be trimmed to 35 as the season progresses. The Lions will play ten games against South Africa and selected provinces between the end of May and the start of July next year.