"How can you play in a mediocre club competition, as in Japan, and then come back and play for the All Blacks?"

- New Zealand coach Wayne Smith confirms that no Kiwi players overseas will be receiving any plane tickets to return home in the near future.

"That's complete rubbish. I am totally committed to this job no matter what people try to say or write about me."

- Ireland coach Warren Gatland hits out at those who unfairly suggested that he canvassed for a job during his Christmas break in New Zealand.

"Some of the players are inclined to accept defeat and we have got to get away from that."

- Buccaneers coach Brian Rigney in discussing the legacy of Connacht's disappointing run in the European Shield.

John O'Sullivan can be contacted at josullivan@irish-times.ie