Brian O'Driscoll had his hopes of taking his place among the Leinster replacements for the match against Munster at Musgrave Park tomorrow night dashed midway through the province's training session at Anglesea Road yesterday.
The Irish centre sustained hamstring and back damage at the end of last season but a visit to a different specialist identified the problem in his back and greatly enhanced the recovery period, so much so that he was named in the Leinster substitutes for tomorrow's game.
However a telephone call from Prof Arthur Tanner, the doctor to the team management, after further consultation with the specialist suggested that while O'Driscoll is 95 per cent healed, he would benefit further were he to spend one more week completing the specific exercises that have speeded his rehabilitation.
While it was extremely disappointing for the player and the Leinster management, it demonstrates a moral responsibility not always prevalent in sport. O'Driscoll is expected to be in contention for a starting place against Ulster next week. Leinster coach Matt Williams explained the background to the decision. "The provincial medical team clear players under no questions from me. If they are not cleared then I don't pick them.
Gavin Duffy, captain of the all-conquering Irish Schools' team on their recent eight-match tour of Australia, has joined newly promoted Division One club Galwegians, writes Gerry Thornley. He is believed to have been coveted by a number of topflight clubs in Leinster, Munster and Connacht.
Duffy, who kicked 19 points in the Irish Schools' 34-22 win over their Australian counterparts in their tour finale, was in part swayed by his intention to study in University College Galway.
The Galwegians coach John Kingston last night said: "Without wishing to put any pressure on him, I believe he is strong enough and good enough to make an impression on our first team this season, whether it be at centre, full back or wing." The hitherto unaffiliated Connacht winger Denver Rumney has also signed for Galwegians.
