Keith Wood is expected to make a guest appearance in Munster's pre-season friendly against Rotherham at Thomond Park on Friday.

Indeed, with Leinster and Ulster also entertaining Gloucester and Orrell on the same night, it is expected all of Ireland's squad members, with the exception of Brian O'Driscoll and those nursing injuries, will take part in these games.

This will mean the likes of David Wallace and Rob Henderson will line out for Munster in their quest for valuable game time, and likewise, Denis Hickie is expected to make his seasonal reappearance for Leinster after being deemed not sufficiently match-fit for Ireland's win over Wales on Saturday.

Similarly, Victor Costello - who was not risked for Ireland because of a calf strain sustained in training on Friday - may also line out against Gloucester, although it is less likely the other minor casualties from Saturday, Anthony Foley (hamstring), Peter Stringer (elbow) and David Humphreys, will be risked, joining those already sidelined, such as Ronan O'Gara, James Topping, Neil Doak and Shane Horgan.

In any event, Eddie O'Sullivan will today name a much-changed squad of 22 for the second of the three World Cup warm-up games against Italy at Thomond Park on Saturday week.

Meanwhile, former Irish international Mark McCall has been appointed coach to the Ireland under-21 rugby team.

McCall, who has been assistant coach to Ulster, replaces Michael Bradley, now coach of Connacht, as "part of the IRFU indigenous coaching development programme". The former Shannon, Munster and Ireland A full back Pat Murray has been re-appointed coach to the Ireland under 19 team.

IRFU APPOINTMENTS

Under-21 international team: Coach - Mark McCall; assistant coach - Mark McDermott; manager - David Haslett.

Under-19 international team: Coach - Pat Murray; assistant coach - Allen Clarke; manager - Michael Cunningham.