Canada out of test programme

The International Rugby Board has been rail-roaded into scrapping Canada's tests with Australia, Ireland and Scotland after failing to broker an agreement between the Canadian union and its players, who are taking strike action over the sacking of their national coach, Dave Clark, last month.

Australia asked for their forthcoming tour match with Canada to be cancelled when it became clear they would face a side drawn from the lower reaches of a tiny rugby-playing community.

At the same time, the IRB released Canada from their dates in Dublin and Edinburgh. The Scots will now play Argentina on November 18. The Irish, already committed to completing a Six Nations programme interrupted by the foot-and-mouth outbreak, will not seek an alternative fixture.

At least 50 of Canada's best players are demanding the reinstatement of Clark, who acted outside his brief by trying to get sponsorship deals for his charges.

Virtually all Canada's best players earn their living in Europe, and many have spent thousands of dollars travelling the world on international duty. They believe their union has hung them out to dry, and want more say in decision-making.

- INDEPENDENT