Gibbs and Co return to international fold

Wales finally forgave the players who turned their backs on rugby union for northern money by including four former league internationals in a squad of 35 announced yesterday.

Swansea's Scott Gibbs and Stuart Evans, David Young of Cardiff and Bath's Richard Webster were all given the chance to resurrect their international union careers when they were named in the preparation squad for Wales' forthcoming matches against France, Italy, Australia and South Africa. Gibbs, who enjoyed a successful two-year stint at St Helens, last represented Wales in union in 1993.

There was no place, however, for the former Wigan forward Scott Quinnell or for Jonathan Davies. Quinnell was left on the sidelines after being accused of wanting a guaranteed sum for playing for Wales, over and above that being offered to Welsh Rugby Union contracted players, although he has consistently denied this.

Terry Cobner, the WRU's director of rugby, said: "Contractual negotiations with Scott are on-going and we hope they will be put in place before the match against Australia in November."

Andy Moore, the Richmond scrum-half, has been recalled. After meeting France, Wales play Italy in Rome on 5 October before entertaining Australia in Cardiff on 1 December and South Africa on 15 December.

Squad, Digest, page 27