Lansdowne will be without captain Kurt McQuilkin for the re-arranged AIB League, first division opener at Lansdowne Road tomorrow night against Old Belvedere. However, they are able to unveil both of their overseas recruits, Leinster's American line-out specialist Aaron Freeman (who is selected ahead of Stephen O'Connor) and New Zealand flanker Anton Ford, who has an Irish passport.

Old Belvedere's selection betrays their problems up front. Regulars missing from last season's pack are props Martin Carroll and Connacht reserve Ray Ward (deemed to be lacking games), second-rows Neil Francis (working his way back to fitness) and Mark Feeley (retired), and flanker Mike Carswell (also retired).

Against all of that, they unveil their new overseas recruit, goalkicking out-half and the former Northern Transvaal player Robbie Rein.

Meanwhile, England have moved quickly to strengthen their coaching staff in the wake of their mediocre performance against Australia at the weekend which ended in a 15-15 draw.

Phil Larder, former coach of the Great Britain rugby league side, has joined the England squad at their Cheshire hotel to help with preparations for Saturday's first Test against the All Blacks at Old Trafford.

Larder, who will be involved with England for a two-week period, is expected to take up a full-time post as a national development officer with the RFU in the near future. It is understood Larder will work with members of England's elite squad as well as organising coaching courses. His appointment is supported by Fran Cotton, vice chairman (playing) of the RFU national playing committee.

Rowen Shepherd has withdrawn from the Scotland side to play Australia in Saturday's international at Murrayfield. Shepherd aggravated a rib injury playing for Melrose on Sunday in the first round of the Tennent's Premiership.

His place in the Scotland side goes to Duncan Hodge, who won his only previous cap last March when he came on as a replacement for Craig Chalmers in Scotland's ill-fated match against France at Parc de Princes.

Doddie Weir yesterday said that he has dropped plans to take legal action against Mpumalanga forward Marius Bosman. Weir was left with serious damage to his knee as a result of Bosman's kick during the Lions' game against South African side Mpumalanga.

The immediate prognosis suggested that the injury was career-threatening but in the event that has not been the case.