Ireland's interim coaching staff, headed by Connacht coach Michael Bradley, have announced a 37-man squad for the summer internationals.
Michael Bradley will take charge of Ireland for their tour Down Under this summer.
Brian O'Driscoll is confident new head coach Declan Kidney has all the right credentials to put a smile back on the face of Irish rugby.
Ireland have confirmed the appointment of Declan Kidney as their head coach for the next three and a half years.
The IRFU has confirmed that Gordon D'Arcy will miss the June tour to New Zealand and Australia, after the centre had further surgery on the broken arm he suffered during the Six Nations.
While Declan Kidney is almost certain to be named Ireland coach at some point in the near future, the IRFU have been seeking a solution to a more short-term problem as well: finding an interim management.
Leinster boss Michael Cheika has backed Munster counterpart Declan Kidney as the perfect choice to succeed Eddie O'Sullivan as Ireland coach.
Munster coach Declan Kidney looks set to be appointed as the new Ireland boss on Tuesday, according to BBC reports.
The 2009 Six Nations Championship fixtures have been released, and England will play host to Italy in the opening game at Twickenham.
No sooner had the British and Irish Lions tour fixtures to South Africa been announced than there was a clash of interests.
The British and Irish Lions have announced their schedule for the 2009 tour of South Africa.
Former Bulls coach Heyneken Meyer, who left coaching rugby after being snubbed for the Bok job earlier this year, has expressed an interest in the vacant Ireland post should he be approached.
Argentina will complete a six-nation Barclays Churchill Cup line-up in North America this June.
New Zealand assistant coach Wayne Smith has rubbished reports linking him with the Ireland vacancy.
Shane Horgan has agreed a new contract with the Irish Rugby Football Union which will see him stay at Leinster until the end of the 2010 season.