Ireland make approach to Dwyer

Ireland are looking to a pure genius to drown their rugby sorrows, writes David Llewellyn. And the Irish Rugby Football Union, who have been in touch with the sacked Australian coach Bob Dwyer, have the full backing of their players.

Dwyer, in Paris coaching Racing Club until the end of the year, has already been telephoned by the Irish and is expected to meet with IRFU officials early this week. The Irish selection panel, headed by Tom Kiernan and set up specially for this task, have already made an informal approach to another Australian, Queensland's John Connolly, who is coaching Old Belvedere.

But the appointment of Dwyer, sacked as Australia's coach last week after a decade of success, including winning the 1991 World Cup, would be welcomed by the players. Full-back Jim Staples said: "His record speaks for itself. We would welcome Dwyer's appointment, as we would Connolly's."