London Irish have been linked with New Zealand hooker Norm Hewitt. Sources in New Zealand have intimated that the Sunbury club are close to agreeing a deal that would take the man who succeeded Sean Fitzpatrick in the number two All Blacks jersey to London.

News of Hewitt's possible move to London broke in a Wellington newspaper yesterday. However, London Irish sources would neither confirm or deny the Hewitt story.

Meanwhile, the former Australia captain and hooker Phil Kearns, 30, ends a three-year wait to win his 50th cap when Australia take on England in the Brisbane Test on June 6th.

The selectors have also gambled on the ACT full-back Stephen Larkham at out-half, where he has played only 20 minutes of senior rugby, allowing Matt Burke to return as the last line of defence.

Saracens' centre Philippe Sella will link with three members of France's Grand Slam team when he captains a World XV against Newcastle for the Sanyo Cup at Twickenham on Saturday.