Jason Leonard climbs another rung on the ladder to rugby's summit tomorrow.

When the England prop takes the field for the Six Nations Grand Slam decider against Ireland at Lansdowne Road, he will draw level with New Zealand's legendary former skipper Seβn Fitzpatrick on 92 caps as the fourth most-capped player of all-time.

Only France's Serge Blanco (93), Australia's David Campese (101) and Philippe Sella of France with 111 have more experience at the top level than the man they call "Leopard".

It is a familiar face known as "Uncle Fester", rather than records however, which will be occupying the attentions of Leonard - in the shape of Ireland captain Keith Wood.

Leonard and Wood spend much of their life with their arms around each other as the spearhead of Harlequins' front row.

Tomorrow, however, they will be kicking lumps out of each other as Leonard - along with centre Mike Catt the only England players to have experienced the sweet taste of a Grand Slam before - bids to banish the memories of recent Grand Slam failures.

Leonard also has a bit of unfinished business with the Irish pack, deriving from a "shoeing" he received three years ago and in which his mate Wood was instrumental.

"I was lying there and the whole of the Irish pack it seemed were giving me a fearful kicking," recalls Leonard. "Fair enough, I was lying in the wrong place so I supposed I deserved it.

"But as they all trampled over me I looked up and Woody gave me a wink and said to the referee: 'Don't worry ref, he's a big lad, he can take it.' I had to chuckle. "Woody is a special person. We live just round the corner from each other so we see each other a lot, we have a drink together and we are good mates."