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![]() | Sunday, 19 May, 2002, 12:50 GMT 13:50 UK Humphreys family meeting ![]() Ian Humphreys could be up against his brother David Ian Humphreys could be up against his older brother David when a Ballymena President's XV take on an Ireland XV at Eaton Park next Saturday (1415 BST). The younger Humphreys has switched from Dungannon to Ballymena for next season and will immediately get a taste of action for his new club. The 21-year-old is included in a side cobbled together by Ballymena's Director of Rugby for game to help Ireland's preparation for the summer tour to New Zealand. The two Humphreys brothers have never squared up together in a serious match, but that could change if David decides to give his injured ankle a run-out. Club duty There will be a number of Ballymena players in action for the President's side including Charl Oosthuizen their new South African overseas signing. Oosthuizen will be at full-back while Cambridge University trio Des Brett, Angus Innes and Scott Adams are three of a number of guests. Ireland lock, however, Gary Longwell will be featuring for his club side rather than the opposition. Leinster half-back pair of Mark McHugh and Brian O'Meara along with Connacht duo Johnny O'Connor and Colm Rigney are also included. Shannon's centre Mossie Lawlor was also due to appear, but he picked up an ankle injury during his side's Munster Senior Cup victory over Garryowen on Saturday. Generally, Ulster contracted players are unavailable as they have been asked to take their holidays over the next two weeks. D'Arcy, however, is delighted at the opportunity to give his players a run-out against the cream of Irish rugby.
''It's a great opportunity for Ballymena players to play against top internationals,'' he said. ''The local players will probably play for about 20 minutes at their top pace, in order to keep the game flowing.'' The Ireland XV, which will be as strong as coach Eddie O'Sullivan can put out, is expected to be announced on Monday. Obviously no Munster players will be included, while Tyrone Howe and Humphreys are likely to be the only Ulster players in action. Shane Horgan is out after pulling out of the New Zealand tour with an ankle injury, while Leinster wing Gordon D'Arcy is also a casualty. The Irish management is still undecided over the void left by Horgan for the summer trip. Munster's Jason Holland is the favourite to fill the vacancy, but he is due to get married in his native New Zealand in a few weeks, and may not be available. Ballymena President's XV: (Forwards): N McKernan, S McConnell, S Rodgers, R Kernohan, D Brett, W McAllister, D O'Kane, P McBride, G Longwell, M McComish, W Logan, A Graham, J O'Connor, J Taggart, C Rigney, D Topping. |
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