Hill and De Glanville hopeful of recovery

Rugby Union

Bisham Abbey will bear more than a passing resemblance to Emergency Ward 10 when England's Five Nations squad gather there tomorrow to begin preparations for this weekend's shoot-out with France. Phil de Glanville, the captain, and Richard Hill, the new open-side flanker, have ankle problems and are likely to spend more time under the care of Kevin Murphy, the physiotherapist, than under the eagle eye of Jack Rowell.

Mike Catt, the reserve outside-half, is also on the injury list after collecting a dead leg during Bath's league victory over Bristol on Saturday. Although Catt was walking more comfortably yesterday, he will require treatment.

De Glanville damaged his left ankle in the same Bath match. Unlike Catt, he took the risk of staying on the pitch and will now be hoping that he does not pay a heavy price for his decision.

Hill, meanwhile, pulled out of Saracens' Pilkington Cup game at Harlequins yesterday but is confident of being fit for the weekend's international.

At least the England players know their livelihoods are secure, injured or not. Their friends and rivals in Wales, Scotland and Ireland must now be wondering exactly what the future holds following the latest twist in the wrangle over broadcasting rights.

Vernon Pugh, the chairman of the Welsh , said yesterday that BSkyB had pulled out of a pounds 92m deal to cover rugby in the three celtic countries, claiming the company had spent virtually all of its budget on tying up a contract with England.

Even though Pugh sounded upbeat about the prospects of negotiating an alternative agreement, Welsh clubs will be fearful of a new round of financial uncertainty.

Ireland have made four changes to the side which started against England for the Five Nations encounter with Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday. David Humphreys replaces the injured Eric Ellwood at fly-half, Jonathan Bell switches from centre to left wing to take over from James Topping with Ben Cronin recalled to fill the No 8 spot vacated by Eric Miller. Kurt McQuilkin takes over from Bell in the centre and Niall Hogan makes way for Brian O'Meara.

IRELAND (v Scotland, Murrayfield 1 March): J Staples (Harlequins, capt), D Hickie (St Mary's College), M Field (Malone), K McQuilkin (Lansdowne), J Bell (Northampton), D Humphreys (London Irish), B O'Meara (Cork Constitution), N Popplewell (Newcastle), R Nesdale (Newcastle), P Wallace (Saracens), P Johns (Saracens), J Davidson (London Irish), D Corkery (Bristol), D McBride (Malone), B Cronin (Garryowen) Replacements: C O'Shea (London Irish), P Burke (Bristol), S McIvor (Garryowen), G Fulcher (London Irish), G Walsh, A Clarke (both Northampton).

Ireland A, Digest, page 19