British and Irish Lions

O'Gara, who has yet to start an RBS 6 Nations match after suffering from an ankle injury, on Monday confirmed his commitment to Irish rugby in a statement.

"While acknowleging an informal conversation with an agent representing Miami Dolphins, I would like to categorically state my commitment to Irish rugby for the remainder of my contract, to the end of the RBS 6 Nations Championship 2004," the statement read.

"In the meantime I am calling a formal closure on the issue and ask for understanding in that regard."

The Lions of Leicester and Leinster will bring domestic bragging rights with them to tomorrow's farewell dinner after they helped their respective sides to league titles on Saturday.

Assistant coach Graham Rowntree says The British & Irish Lions will have to be fully focussed to avoid a potential banana skin when they face The Barbarians a week today.

Lions skipper Sam Warburton says the lessons he and his Welsh colleagues learnt in Australia last summer will stand them in good stead for their return visit with Britain and Ireland's elite next month.