Ireland to postpone England clash
The Irish government's tough measures to keep foot-and-mouth at bay look certain to result in the postponement today of England's Six Nations clash with Ireland.
The match, scheduled for 24 March, was expected to be called off yesterday, but the Irish government's Department of Agriculture asked for an extra 24 hours to reveal its plans to deal with the crisis.
Emergency legislation, giving extra powers to Department of Agriculture officials to deal with the threat of foot-and-mouth could be law by Friday.
Critically, the measures, presented to the Cabinet yesterday by Attorney General Michael McDowell, include a request that the public refrain from travelling in large numbers to Great Britain and dissuading visitors from Great Britain. This is also aimed at Irish racing fans who usually travel to the Cheltenham Festival.
The department is also requesting that all events (sports, concerts etc) likely to attract large numbers of people from rural areas should be cancelled with the anticipated restrictions in place for three weeks.
The game between France and Wales at the Stade de France will go ahead but French authorities admitted a postponement could not be ruled out.
Meanwhile, Harlequins gained revenge for their Tetley's Bitter Cup Final defeat with a last-gasp 24-22 win over Newcastle Falcons in the Zurich Premiership at Kingston Park last night.
Newcastle's decision to play into a strong wind looked to have backfired when Harlequins moved into an 18-3 lead after 36 minutes but the home side bounced back to ensure another tight battle.
Paul Burke edged Quins ahead for the last time with a penalty in the 80th minute.
"It was a great pressure kick by Paul," said head coach Mark Evans.
"He's certainly earning his money - that's the second game he's won for us like that. I would have been a bit disappointed had we lost. We really should have killed the game off in the first half with that wind behind us, but they scored a great try although it was sloppy defence from us.
"The good thing is that we're safe or at least a lot safer than we were this morning."
Quins are now 14 points clear of bottom-placed Rotherham.
Leicester moved a step nearer another title with a 24-12 victory over Sale.
