Ireland players, press off-side

Ireland are embroiled in a fractious test with their media before they play the All Blacks on Saturday.

Irish rugby journalists and photographers walked out of an official interview session yesterday in protest at restrictions placed on one of their group.

Players apparently took exception to an article by Irish Independent rugby writer David Kelly in which he criticised coach Eddie O'Sullivan for the limited use of his reserves at Hamilton.

When Kelly was told yesterday players were not granting him interviews and his tape recorder would be removed from any attempt, about eight Irish media members left the conference room.

The Irish media have also been unhappy that they get only three days a week to speak to the coaching staff or players.