One of the real success stories in Irish rugby in the past few years has been the emergence of the Connacht youths side who have just completed back-to-back inter-pro grand slams.

No surprise then that almost one-quarter of the Irish squad selected for the FIRA European Championship being held in Treviso in Italy this week is from Connacht.

Connacht's Jimmy Duffy is coach to the side which is captained by Corinthians prop James Robinson. Robinson is one of three Corinthians in the squad with centre Eoin Griffin and hooker Karl Egan also included.

Schools runners-up Marist College have a couple of young Buccs in the squad in the form of half-backs Adam Kennedy and Mark Dolan.

The provincial spread is completed with versatile forward Aaron Spring from Summerhill College in Sligo and lock Shane Casey of St Gerald's and Castlebar.

THERE IS no better way of promoting underage sport than to tie it in with the local community and rugby in this country is set to benefit from a good new sponsorship deal.

Centra has over 450 convenience stores around the country and they intend using these to promote the kids' rugby camps which they will be sponsoring for the next three years in Connacht, Leinster and Munster.

Over 5,000 children are expected to take part this year as they aim to encourage kids to get involved in rugby from an early age.

Professional players from each of the provinces — John Hearty launched the Connacht one — will also participate in what looks like a positive move.

THE AIB Cup semi-final between Galwegians and Shannon will now take place at Crowley Park on Saturday, April 5th (2.30pm).

The game was due to take place last Saturday but was called off due to adverse weather.