New Zealand born centre Adam Larkin is prepared to answer Ireland's call but only if national coach Brian Ashton pursues a previous interest. The 23-year-old, currently plying his trade with Bristol, is unwilling to speculate on his future until a concrete proposal is proferred.
Ashton watched the former North Harbour outside centre when Bristol took on Gloucester in appalling conditions recently and conceded that he would like another opportunity to evaluate the Kiwi, who holds an Irish passport. The Irish coach did concede that he was encouraged by what he saw.
Larkin admitted: "I basically said to Brian that I wasn't sure what I would be doing other than playing for Bristol. When we spoke I felt that he needed to see me play on more than just that occasion and then if he was happy to approach me again.
"I'd rather let my form do the talking. I'm certainly taking nothing for granted." Larkin, who qualifies for Ireland through a grandmother, boasts an impressive pedigree having played alongside All Black centres Frank Bunce and Walter Little for North Harbour. "I spent two years playing with them. Obviously it was an alternate arrangement but it was great to play with players of that calibre."
Larkin is content to bide his time. "If something was to arise in an Irish context then I would consider it strongly."
Although he refused to speculate further Larkin did concede that he would be prepared to play his rugby in Ireland if the circumstances proved right for all concerned.
Ashton is due to attend the Bath/Wasps league match tomorrow, even though Rob Henderson will not play for the London club. The Wasps and Ireland centre will instead line out for the club's second team against a Staines XV, his first match since a groin operation.
"This is my first week back in full training. I play for the seconds at the weekend and then have been invited to the Irish squad training session next Wednesday," said Henderson.
National team manager Pat Whelan will attend the Ballymena/Cork Constitutoion game, Mike Ruddock the Blackrock/Dungannon match while Donal Lenihan makes the short journey to watch Young Munster against Terenure College. On Sunday, Whelan, Lenihan and Warren Gatland will attend the Garryowen/Shannon match.
Meanwhile, Shannon received mixed news regarding injury problems for Sunday's AIB Divison One clash with Garryowen at Dooradoyle. Prop Noel Healy is in hospital with knee damage and could be out for three weeks. The versatile John Hayes is also hampered by damage to the same joint.
Coach Pat Murray is prepared to wait until closer to the kick-off to decide upon his front row. Eddie Halvey, who missed the A international through injury, trained during the week and is expected to play. Second row Kevin Keane, who missed the last two matches through injury and exams, is once again available. Garryowen have no injury concerns but will not announce their team until later today.
Dolphin have made two changes for the visit of Clontarf to Musgrave Park tomorrow. Brothers, Conor and Cian Mahony, return to renew their midfield partnership.
Wanderers made several changes for their Division Two match against City of Derry at Lansdowne Road. John Ennis replaces Peter Divich at fullback while Gary Brennan moves from wing to centre in place of Vinny Cunningham. Dermot Finnegan's coninued absence through injury ensures a call-up for Dan O`Sullivan. In the pack, Ronnie Culliton replaces Ross Leahy and there is a call-up to first team colours for Henry Wallace, elder brother of Richard, Paul and David. Highfield make one change for their Divison Three game with Collegians at Model Farm Road. Fergus Burke is in for the unavailable Terry Dillon.
