It's been a quiet close season so far for the Irish provinces in the transfer market. Officially the four Irish teams have released 22 players between them, but have only recruited 10 new players meaning there should be a fair bit of activity over the next couple of months. Munster are still looking to New Zealand to recruit a centre and back-up openside flanker, although the relationship between the province and agent Craig Innes has cooled somewhat since he shot his mouth off to the press about what the European champions were looking for in the transfer market. You'd also have to imagine there's room for a couple of more backs and a scrum-half, most likely to be Brian O'Meara. Leinster, meanwhile, are still hoping to sign one or two more players, and you'd have to imagine that Andy Dunne will be considered for a contract having left Bath during the week. Poor old Connacht are still struggling to make ends meet and there may not be too much activity out west, while Ulster's recruitment drive is almost over having signed Mike Maguire, Kieron Dawson, Tom Court, Tim Barker and Mark Bartholomeusz since the end of the season.

KIWIS HEAT UP WORLD CUP PREPARATIONS

The New Zealand Rugby Union have been over in Germany learning a couple of things about how to run an international tournament in preparation for Rugby World Cup 2011. Apparently the biggest lesson they've learned is how to look after supporters who can't get their hands on tickets for the big games, which may be a useful trick considering the cosy nature of New Zealand's stadiums. Against the Head has also learned that the Kiwi motor van industry is already preparing for the World Cup, with a full "ve years to go before the off. All you adventurers who did the Lions tour on wheels will be delighted to know that the installation of an effective heating system on board each vehicle is foremost amongst their desires. It will no doubt save a few head colds over the course of the tournament.