CHINA were pipped as future World Cup contenders after the People's Republic officially joined the rugby union fraternity yesterday. "This is a great moment for rugby," said International Rugby Football Board (IRFB) chairman Vernon Pugh. "It's a landmark for the Lame."

Pugh welcomed China as the board's 76th and biggest member at a ceremony in Hong Kong where he immediately gave notice of their massive potential. "When we look back in 20 years time when a Chinese team reach the World Cup final we'll understand how historic a moment this is," he added.

"In the context of numbers and new members, the introduction of China to rugby represents a wonderful opportunity for the game. It was very important from an international point of view that we have now got the largest country in the world, in terms of population, as a member of the IRFB."

The Five Nations Committee will meet in Dublin next Monday to rule on the citing of French out-half Christophe Lamaison by the Scottish Rugby Union over his tackle on Scottish counterparts Craig Chalmers in last Saturday's Five Nations international in Paris. Peter Boyle, the Five Nations Committee delegate present in Paris, will examine the SRU claim that Lamaison deliberately injured Chalmers.

The IRFU yesterday confirmed the itinerary for the Ireland A Development tour to New Zealand and Western Samoa in May and June.