RUGBY NEWS ROUND-UP:ULSTER COACH Brian McLaughlin is seeking the maximum 10-point return from their back to back meetings with Italian side Aironi over the next two weekends. However, the main hope is that the Leicester Tigers end Clermont Auvergne's interest in the tournament.

“It would be nice for us if Leicester beat Clermont home and away,” said McLaughlin. “It would set up a big game at Ravenhill against Leicester and maybe Clermont will be a little indifferent by the time we go there.

“But we know Aironi will not be an easy proposition and they have just signed (Mauro) Bergamasco. They could well throw him in. He is a quality player.”

McLaughlin has stuck with his usual routine of releasing a 34-man squad yesterday.

However, he confirmed that Stefan Terblanche is a contender for selection having trained all week. The work permit came in last week so the 36-year-old Springbok could take up a short-term contract after he was drafted in as cover for the injured New Zealand centre Jared Payne.

“He is in great nick,” said McLaughlin. “Not only is he a South African international, it is his Heineken Cup experience with the Ospreys that should prove valuable to us.”

Ruan Pienaar is also available for selection once again after hamstring trouble. “But Paul Marshall has played extremely well in recent weeks. They will be pushing each other hard for selection,” added McLaughlin.

Meanwhile, Ireland’s preparation for the three-Test series in New Zealand next June will be an international against the Barbarians on Tuesday, May 29th at Kingsholm, the home of English club Gloucester.