ROTTERDAM in the Netherlands will be the scene of the final leg of the FEI Nations Cup Superleague, with Ireland still in contention to win the 2011 series.

Ireland currently lie in fourth place, but a victory in Rotterdam on August 26 would mean that Ireland would take the series for the first time ever, if current leaders the Netherlands finish outside the top three.

Team Ireland Equestrian's show jumping manager Robert Splaine today (Friday) announced his squad as:

Shane Breen with Carmena Z, Luika or Cos I Can (ISH)
Alexander Butler with Will Wimble (ISH)
Denis Lynch with Lantinus or Nabab's Son
Niall Talbot with Nicos De La Cense
Billy Twomey with Je T'Aime Flamenco or Tinka's Serenade

As the bottom team in the league, Denmark are already destined for relegation but with two teams going down the USA are in a precarious position, one from bottom and needing a big result to stay up.

Robert Splaine's main focus, however, is the European Jumping Championships in Madrid next month, where the Irish team will have its last chance of Olympic qualification.

He said today: ''Our focus is on Madrid, however the selection for Rotterdam is very interesting to me and is a good one.

“They will need to perform exceptionally well to overcome the Dutch favourites in their own back yard.

“Overall, it has been a very good year for us in the league with a host of good performances including a great win to our credit. It’s a sign of our continuing consistency at top level that we are in contention for the series rather than battling relegation going into the final next week," he said.
 

Robert Splaine