The Irish Rugby Football Union is pleased to announce that they have appointed Dave Clark as the new Head of Fitness to oversee all areas of elite performance in professional and representative teams.

There are less than 24 hours to the start of the IRFU Sports Medicine Conference (sponsored by AON) and Satellite Events, final preparations are being made for the biggest rugby union event on the island of Ireland over the coming days (ahem)!

Munster full-back Felix Jones will undergo shoulder surgery next week that will see him sidelined for at least four months. He sustained the damage to his shoulder in last Friday's RaboDirect PRO12 semi-final loss to the Ospreys.

One of the most dedicated, productive and helpful Public Relations Officers on the Irish club rugby scene, Shannon RFC's Andrew McNamara is bowing out after ten fruitful years in the role. In his final club notes, he gives a brilliant insight into his time as the Limerick club's PRO.

The International Rugby Board and its member Unions have sanctioned a global trial of five aspects of law amendments following an extensive process of consultation and evaluation.

Dublin University have retained the IRFU Club Sevens title, winning at Dubarry Park last Saturday on a day when Blackrock College RFC won the Women's tournament.