Irish lesson for Cardiff
European Cup directors extended their hard-line policy on the registration controversy in a way which left Cardiff in no doubt what awaits them should they defy the official ruling and play Peter Rogers against Toulouse tomorrow.
London Irish lost the two points won in last week's European Shield home win over Aurillac after being found guilty of fielding an ineligible player, 28-year-old South African flanker Richard Bates.
The Irish lodged an immediate appeal while withdrawing Bates from tomorrow's return match in France.
Despite Rogers having been declared ineligible for any of Cardiff's Heineken Cup matches, following his free transfer from Newport last week, his new club have refused to rule him out of the home tie against Toulouse, a match the fading French champions dare not lose after flopping at home to Saracens last week.
Cardiff's need is equally critical given their unwitting compliance in Belfast last week with Ulster's wish to rebuild their once impregnable fortress at Ravenhill. A week after expressing his preference to be propping up a bar rather than a scrum, Victor Ubogu will be granted his wish, at least for Bath's match at Newport tonight. John Mallett's reprieve pending a disciplinary hearing later this month obviates the need for 'Dada Vic' to be dragged on to the reserve bench at Rodney Parade.
