BUCCANEERS, who along with Galwegians this year gained promotion to Division Two of the All Ireland League, have appointed Eddie O'Sullivan as technical advisor to the senior team for the 1997-98 season.

O'Sullivan, the assistant coach to the US national side, will be involved with them through the rugby World Cup in 1999.

At international level, the IRFU is to invest more than £300,000 in the forthcoming development tour to New Zealand and Western Samoa. Its president, Bobby Deasy, yesterday underlined the union's commitment to invest in the development of players through such tours.

Meanwhile, Denis Hickie the St Mary's College international wing three quarters is out of the New Zealand tour because of a shoulder injury. He has been replaced by 25 year old David Coleman of Terenure College. The squad will assemble in Limerick on Monday, May 12th, and will depart for New Zealand on Thursday, May 15th.