Pichot doubtful for Thomond clash

EUROPEAN CUP: Agustin Pichot, the Stade Francais scrumhalf, is rated doubtful for his side's Heineken European Cup quarter-final…

EUROPEAN CUP: Agustin Pichot, the Stade Francais scrumhalf, is rated doubtful for his side's Heineken European Cup quarter-final against Munster at Thomond Park on Saturday.

Pichot picked up a back injury in Stade's win over Pau at the weekend when the French champions were without outhalf Diego Dominguez. Coach Nick Mallett will decide on his halfbacks later in the week but as a precaution he has named three scrumhalves in a 25-man squad.

Winger Raphael Poulain (calf) is also doubtful with the experienced Thomas Lombard in line for a recall.

Meanwhile, Llanelli Scarlets boss Gareth Jenkins has named a full-strength side for their European Cup quarter-final against Biarritz at Stradey Park.

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Several Llanelli players have recovered from the stomach bug that laid them low earlier this week to line up in the starting 15.

Outhalf Stephen Jones has recovered from a calf strain that sidelined him last weekend.

Experienced Wales international Chris Wyatt is preferred to Adam Jones in the second row, while centre Leigh Davies has recovered from injury and will be on the bench.

Wyatt for Jones is the only change from the team that secured a quarter-final place by defeating Northampton 18-9 at Franklin's Gardens in February.

LLANELLI: B Davies; Evans, Taylor, Watkins, Finau; S Jones, Peel; Thomas, McBryde, J Davies, Cooper, Wyatt, D Jones, Easterby, Quinnell. Replacements: Thiel, Gravelle, A Jones, Hodges, Phillips, Bowen, L Davies.

REFEREE CHANGE: David McHugh (Ireland) will referee Bath Rugby's European Challenge Cup semi-final first leg against Montferrand at the Recreation Ground on Saturday (1 pm). He replaces Dubliner Donal Courtney, who is unable to take part due to illness.

OPEN DAY: Leinster coach Gary Ella has announced this year's Open Training Day with the squad will take place from 11 am to 2 pm on Sunday, May 9th, in Old Belvedere RFC, on Dublin's Anglesea Road.

The coaches and players will conduct skills training for an hour or so. The players will then sign autographs.

Fans are asked to bring, as admittance, unwanted rugby kit for the IRB's Kit Aid Appeal (www.sosirbkitaid.org). The kit will go to needy players in Romania, Georgia, Moldova, Bulgaria and the Czech Republic.

SCHOOLS TEAM: Following the impressive 47-8 victory over the Welsh Schools last Saturday, the Irish Schools team shows one change for the game against England Schools in Newcastle tomorrow (kick-off: 6 pm).

Tony Kane (St Gerard's) will start at loose head in place of Gary Walsh (Blackrock), who retired injured during the Wales game. Liam Casey (Ard


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Scoil Rís) is added to the bench. The side will again be captained by Diarmuid Laffan.