Cheika extends squad

Felipe Contepomi will again be an absentee for Leinster as they take on Connacht in the Magners Celtic League at the RDS on …

Felipe Contepomi will again be an absentee for Leinster as they take on Connacht in the Magners Celtic League at the RDS on Friday as he is attending his brother's wedding in Argentina.

Leinster coach Michael Cheika has announced an extended squad that includes the match 22 from last Friday night's game against Ulster as well as Juan Francisco Gomez, Kevin McLaughlin, Michael Berne and Gary Brown.

Stephen Knoop has been included to face his former province after being forced to retire injured the last day, so too Stephen Keogh and Malcolm O'Kelly.

The Ireland lock got a black eye in an occasionally fractious tie at Ravenhill. Match commissioner, the IRFU's Gordon Black, was provided with comprehensive footage - in terms of several angles - of the game by Setanta to view incidents that included an alleged spear tackle on Shane Horgan and a couple more where punches were thrown.

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Black had until noon yesterday to cite any players, but there has been no communication of any censure against the respective teams or individuals.

The Leinster Branch confirmed almost 15,000 tickets have been sold for Friday night's game at the RDS.

It appears Ulster have spoken to Australian fullback Chris Latham about a possible move to Belfast when his contract ends after the 2008 Tri-Nations. The 32-year-old is being pursued by several clubs.

John O'Sullivan

John O'Sullivan

John O'Sullivan is an Irish Times sports writer