Ulster Rugby : Break for Ireland as Celtic League Resumes

Matt McCullough links up with Ireland Squad

Break for Ireland as Celtic League Resumes

13 February 2006, 9:17 am

By Lyndsey Irwin

Following his performance for Ireland A in Limoges on Friday night, Ulster's Matt McCullough has been included in Eddie O'Sullivan's Ireland training panel this week.

O'Sullivan has added eight players to the 22 that were named in the squad for the match against France on Saturday, Ulster's Neil Best and Matt McCullough are included.

Ireland A lost to France A in Limoges on Friday night. the final score was France A 20 - 12 Ireland A. Ulster's Matt McCullough, Neil Best and Bryan young started the match with Ulster team-mates Paddy Wallace (66 mins), Bryn Cunningham (70 mins) and Roger Wilson coming off the bench.

In the full international at the Stade de France in Paris, Ulster's Tommy Bowe was the only Ulsterman to start the match and was replaced on 62 minutes by his Ulster team-mate Andrew Trimble, winning his 3rd Irish cap and scoring a try on 70 minutes.

Ireland U21s were also defeated by the French, captained by Ulster's Stuart Philpott they lost 29 - 10 in Strasbourg.

The rugby focus turns to the clubs again this week as the Six Nations Championships breaks this week as the Celtic League resumes. The players based in Dublin with the Ireland camp will be released from duty this Wednesday with some likey to be available for selection for their clubs this weekend.
Ulster travel to Murrayfield where they take on Edinburgh this Friday night, 17th February. For tickets, contact Edinburgh Rugby Ticketline on 0131 346 5100