Andy Irvine made new chairman of Celtic Rugby

Former Scotland and Lions full-back Andy Irvine has been appointed as the new chairman of Celtic Rugby as part of a major overhaul of the Magners League’s governing body.

Irvine, current chair of the British and Irish Lions committee and former president of the Scottish Rugby Union, replaces John Hussey to become Celtic Rugby’s first independent chairman as part of a new management structure. Hussey, the current vice-president of the IRFU, has been chair for the last seven years.

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Feehan, who is currently chief Executive of both the Six Nations and British and Irish Lions, will head up a team that will include 10 permanent members of staff, including the long-standing tournament director, David Jordan.

“As the Magners League prepares to expand through the introduction of two Italian teams to join the 10 clubs from Ireland, Scotland and Wales, I am delighted the Celtic Rugby Board has recognised there is a growing need to support the tournament’s expansion,” said Hussey.

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“Last season saw the highly successful introduction of a play-off system and grand final to determine our champions and the changes agreed by the board are aimed at continuing to shape the ever growing reputation of the tournament.

”Having a man of the calibre of Andy Irvine to take over from me is a real statement of intent from the Celtic Rugby Board and all the changes we have agreed will help support the growth of the Magners League product and our 12 clubs.”

“It is my desire to do everything I can to see the Magners League competition reach its fullest potential,” said Feehan. “Not only do I believe that the competition can be pushed further, I think that my team and I are uniquely qualified and ideally situated to make that a reality.

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“The taking on of the Magners League will undoubtedly pose a few challenges, but I know I speak for all of us in saying that we are ready to face them and are looking forward to getting involved with the game at club level.”

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Dan Carter sidelined for two months after surgery decision

Dan Carter will be out of rugby for two months. The All Blacks first-five is to undergo ankle surgery ruling him out of rugby and it means he will be unavailable for the All Blacks' final Tri-Nations match against Australia in Sydney on September 11.

All Blacks Doctor Deb Robinson said Carter had been troubled by niggling pain in his right ankle throughout the year but had still managed to play rugby to play for the Crusaders and All Blacks each week.

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"It has reached the point now where it is restricting his ankle flexibility and, in turn, affecting his calf muscle strength, so now is the right time to have surgery," Dr Robinson said.

Dr Robinson said the surgery, which will take place in Christchurch on Tuesday afternoon, would involve removing loose material from the joint at the back of his ankle. A bone spur would also be removed from the front of his ankle.

"Given that movement in my foot is being affected, it's obviously in my best interests to have the surgery now," Carter said.

"I've been in this situation before and understand what is involved so will get through the surgery and rehab and then look forward to getting back into rugby," he said.

Carter will initially be in a cast to allow the ankle joint to settle before he could resume rugby training, with a recovery period of up to eight weeks required.

"Dan is the ultimate rugby professional when it comes to injury rehabilitation and, with the help of the All Blacks medical staff, he will be getting the best treatment possible and we look forward to his return to rugby," Henry said.

Henry said if the rehabilitation timeframe went to plan Carter would be available for selection for the All Blacks end of year tour to Hong Kong and the northern hemisphere.

It means Aaron Cruden is almost certain to start in Sydney with his back up possibly being Colin Slade or Stephen Brett.

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