Today's other stories in brief

Threatened species

If Irish traditions can be ditched - we are thinking of St Patrick's Day services switching to March 15th - then why cannot the ANC bin the Springbok emblem and replace it with a flower? The debate is raging in South Africa, where the springbok, which has been the rugby emblem since 1906, is being threatened by the Protea flower.

And this cannot be put down to global warming. South African rugby teams have been known as the Springboks since the 1906 tour to Britain, and while other sporting codes in the country have systematically culled the antelope, South African rugby has hung tough.

Now, in their quest for non-racial, non-sexist nation-building, the ANC government want rid of the rugby version. Naturally the traditionalists want it to remain, and so the debate goes on.

Os du Randt charging into rucks with a flower on his chest doesn't seem quite right - but then again, you could use a similar argument against the shamrock or the leek.

Kieran Burke Trophy

Next Sunday the largest rugby event in the land for kids under six and under seven will take place at DLSP's grounds in Kilternan, Co Dublin.

In 2007 over 650 children contested the Kieran Burke Perpetual Trophy, which was won by Lansdowne RFC (under-sixes) and Seapoint RFC (under-sevens).

The event is entirely non-profit, the purpose being to promote junior rugby in the Leinster clubs. Profits and donations go to the Children's Cancer Fund at Our Lady's Hospital, Crumlin, Dublin.

Kieran, who was an enthusiastic player and a Leinster mascot, died of leukaemia in January 2004, aged six.

The concept of the tournament is to enable youngsters to compete in an environment that is safe and appropriate to their stage of development; getting six-year-olds running in the right direction and staying between the lines is often considered a breakthrough for the coaches at this age level.

The event attracts a huge crowd of competitors, coaches and support teams, including parents. DLSP dedicate the entire day to the fun and games, their grounds and clubrooms reserved for the tournament.

The organisers expect the tournament this year to run at maximum capacity; 25 clubs and 730 children are already registered to play.

It all kicks off at 10am next Sunday, January 27th, at Kilternan.

Roses rampant

What is the RBS Six Nations going to do about the English women's team? While the men play out their competition, the women's event takes place alongside; all of Ireland's home games this season will be played at Templeville Road, the grounds of St Mary's College.

But last year none of the other sides came within sight of the England team. The Roses beat Scotland 60-0, Italy 23-0, Ireland 32-0 and Wales 30-0. France, bless them, scored 12 points but still went down in flames, 38-12.

That's 181 points for and 12 against. Quite a distance to make up for the Irish side that last season lost to Wales, France and England but beat Scotland 18-6 and Italy 17-12. As with Eddie O'Sullivan's charges, some improvement is required.

Pssst, Declan

It is generally believed now that given the new zip that has been added to their back line, it would suit Munster to be playing on dry, fast tracks so their runners can build a head of steam.

In that context they might just take a look at what the bosses at the Memorial Stadium in Bristol have done. The club have invested in a pitch-covering system to ensure Bristol matches in the Heineken European Cup go ahead whatever the weather.

They took the decision to bring in the MacLeod Cover System after last Tuesday night's soccer FA Cup replay against Fulham was postponed. It features an inflated cover to keep the rain off and heating to help dry the ground and provide perfect conditions for the grass to grow.

Europe bogged down

Apropos of the above, the Maori lock Paul Tito, who has achieved cult status at Bristol following his move from New Zealand last summer, reckons the biggest difference between the slower, forward battles of the European Cup and the fast, running rugby of the Southern Hemisphere's Super 14 is the quality of the pitches.

"They could spend more money on the surfaces here. I have had to wear my boots in the shower to wash them for the first time in years," observed Tito.