O'Sullivan still wants Humphreys

Eddie O'Sullivan still keen to have Humphreys in Irish squad

Coach Eddie O'Sullvan says he would like fly-half David Humphreys to be part of Ireland's 2007 World Cup squad.

Humphreys issued a strong denial to a story that he had signalled the end of his Test career, and O'Sullivan said he was still keen for him to continue.

"I would love him to be available for the World Cup. He's a world class player. He's still playing great rugby," O'Sullivan told BBC Sport.

"He's a consummate pro and he can play for Ireland as long as he wishes."

Humphreys benchmark

O'Sullivan said that Humphreys does have a lot to think about regarding to his future.

"For him to continue, it's just not a rugby issue, but a family one," he said. "He has three small children and he has to take that into consideration.

"But we have spoken about his future a number of times over the past year, and we decided that no decision would be taken until after the current Six Nations."

Earlier on Tuesday, the 72-times capped Ulsterman categorically denied that any decision had been made regarding his retirement from international rugby.

A newspaper report said that he was to end his Ireland career after the current RBS Six Nations Championship.

"Myself and Eddie O'Sullivan agreed that we would talk again after the Six Nations," said Humphreys in a prepared statement issued by the IRFU.

"A report saying I have made a decision is inaccurate. No decision will be made until after the Six Nations."

Humphreys went on to say that in the meantime, he is totally committed to playing for Ireland and Ulster.

"At this point in time I am concentrating on playing for Ireland and Ulster this weekend and will do so until the end of this season," said the 72-times capped Humphreys.

Humphreys is expected to continue with Ulster for another season

The Ulsterman's contract is due to end at the end of May and a new contract was offered before Christmas by the Irish Rugby Football Union, to take him up to the end of the World Cup.

Humphreys is still keen to play representative rugby for Ulster next season, which will come as a great relief to the province's coach Mark McCall.

Super 14 side Stormers were one of a number of top sides from around the world who would have gladly taken on Humphreys in the twilight of his career.

But it is now looks certain that he will be staying in Ireland, and primarily north of the border.

While he has, apparently, agreed in principle to stay on with Ulster until the end of the 2007 season, he will not make a definitive decision until next month.

However, it would come as no surprise if Humphreys were to end his international career at the end of the present RBS Six Nations campaign.

He has so far remained extremely quiet on the subject and is reluctant to talk about his future.