Lions duo to look at Davidson

One of the forgotten figures of the last Lions Test series is being given a late chance to win his way into the 10-match Australian tour this summer.

Lions manager Donal Lenihan and head coach Graham Henry will go to France this weekend to watch Jeremy Davidson, Martin Johnson's second row partner against South Africa, play for Castres against Stade Francais.

Like other Ireland players, Ulsterman Davidson has suffered a lack of exposure due to the postponement of their last three Six Nations games owing to the foot-and-mouth crisis. Ironically, a hand injury denied him a place in the two matches played. 'Second row is perhaps the most competitive selection area of all,' said Henry. 'It's important we look at every contender.' Davidson is not the only Castres player anxious to stake a late claim. Scotland's Gregor Townsend, whose Six Nations appearances have been hit by injury, will also be anxious to impress.

The same goes for a clutch of Ireland candidates who will be watched in Limerick on Friday when a Rest of Ireland team help Munster warm up for their European Cup semi-final against Stade Francais. Lawrence Dallaglio and Joe Worsley rush back from England duty into the Wasps pack for tonight's London derby against Harlequins at Loftus Road, a match Wasps must win to clinch second seeding for the play-offs as runners-up to Leicester. Former Olympic hurdler Nigel Walker is likely to take over as Wales manager after David Pickering's resignation from the honorary position to concentrate on his business career.