The Irish in Britain, including those of Irish descent, make up a significant part of the UK population. Here, you will find news, entertainment, events, sports and features from the local Irish Post newspaper.

By Larry Cooney

The former Ireland U-21 and A international who joined the Warriors until the end of the season is set to play a key part in the side that is currently riding high in the Premiership.

However after making his Premiership debut against Northampton last weekend Hickie is now relishing their trip to Newport this Saturday to take on the Dragons in the Powergen Cup.

While Worcester's interest in this competition may have ended after two defeats to Northampton and Leicester they might still have a say in the result of the leadership of Group D with Dragons, Leicester and Northampton all vying for the coveted semi-final place at the Millennium Stadium next March.

Worcester rugby director John Brain is also delighted with Hickie’s contribution since his arrival from Donnybrook.

He said: “We have been looking at our options at hooker for some time following an injury to Andre Van Niekerk. In Gavin we have a player of the right age, experience and quality to come in and increase the competition for places.”

Although expected to be among the relegation strugglers once again this season Worcester Warriors have silenced their critics in the best possible way and boast one of the most consistent records in the Premiership. Their recent 24-15 victory over Bristol also attracted an attendance of almost 10,000 to Sixfields which makes the Midlands club one of the best supported teams in the Premiership.

Hickie said: “I am in my third week at Worcester and it’s an absolutely fantastic place. The community is wholly behind this fine team and I am absolutely loving it here and hope to make it my home for the next couple of years.

“After being let go by Leinster I managed to secure a two-week trial with Wasps this summer. Just a week into that trial London Irish came in and offered me a three-month contract as a temporary measure. However before the end of the three months Worcester also offered me a three-month contract and eventually they improved that until the end of the season so I decided to pack my bags and head for Sixfields.

“The Dragons have a number of top Welsh internationals including full-back Kevin Morgan and have their sights set on a semi-final place in the Millennium Stadium. We may not have our minds fully focussed on this particular game with Connacht due in Worcester a week later.”

Because he has already played for London Irish in the European Challenge Cup Gavin Hickie will be cup-tied for the visit of Connacht to Sixfields on December 10.

He said: “I would love to have been involved in that game which will be a crucial qualifying game for both teams. It should be another great Irish occasion as an improving Connacht team are sure to bring many supporters to Worcester.”

Verdict: Home win.

Powergen Cup Previews Round 3

London Wasps V Saracens, Group B, December 4. Causeway Stadium. KO 3pm

This is a winner-take-all clash and with both Wasps and Saracens back to full strength a cracker looks to be in the offing.

Wasps have done well in the absence of their raft of players on international duty with Jeremy Staunton and particularly newcomer Neil Baxter doing well. Baxter has since been rewarded with a new contract.

Saracens welcome back Irish international hooker Shane Byrne for this one but even that might not be enough to stop Wasps.

Verdict: Home win

London Irish V Cardiff Blues, Group B, December 4. Madejski Stadium. KO 3pm

This is being billed as possibly the day Jonah Lomu makes his debut for the Blues and if the legendary All Black does appear it is sure to add considerably to the attendance.

The Exiles need not hide their light under a bushel though as their excellent run leaves them in third place in the Premiership. Since confidence appears to be high and with a full squad to choose from London Irish will fear nobody in their current form.

Verdict: Home win

Leicester Tigers V Northampton, Group D, December 3. Welford Road. KO. 2.30pm

It has hardly been a vintage year so far for the Welford Road club.

Leicester remain highly inconsistent and will need to be at their best to overcome Northampton Saints in this one.

The Tigers welcome back Geordan Murphy — one of the brighter lights during Ireland’s recent autumn internationals.

The Saints have a full squad to choose from including the returning Ben Cohen and might just have enough to blunt the Tigers claws.

Verdict: Away win.

Celtic League

Connacht V Leinster, December 3. The Sportsground. KO 2pm

Leinster have shown improved form in recent weeks after a torrid start.

Meanwhile bottom-of-the-table Connacht continue to be a rapidly-improving outfit.

The Westerners have added centre Andre Malei and Aussie Gavin Williams recently and therefore appear to be an outfit on the up again. Whether they will have enough to overcome a Leinster side who are starting to hit their stride is extremely doubtful.

Verdict: Away win

Munster V Ulster, December 3. Thomond Park. 7.10pm

Contrasting teams and contrasting fortunes collide in this game.

Confidence will be high in the Ulster camp following the number of players who have made the breakthrough with Ireland.

Munster are typically about guile and pack strength while Ulster are all about youthful exuberance.

This game will tell us a lot about the pecking order in Irish rugby at present and is potentially the game of the week.

Verdict: Home win

Rugby results

Soccer Round-Up…

Guinness Premiership:

Bristol 22-14 Sale
Newcastle 17-15 Wasps
Gloucester 19-8 Saracens
Northampton 21-22 Worcester
Bath 12-16 Leeds
Leicester 35-3 London Irish

International Matches:

Ireland 43-12 Romania
England 40-3 Samoa
France 26-20 South Africa
Italy 23-8 Fiji
Scotland 10-29 New Zealand
Wales 24-22 Australia