Rugby League: Ireland shock for Edwards

SHAUN EDWARDS has been left out of Ireland's squad for the triangular tournament against Wales and Scotland this autumn. The British Isles most experienced international player shone for Ireland last year, but after a season interrupted by injuries and disputes with the London Broncos, has been omitted from a 36-strong party named yesterday. Included, on the other hand, is St Helens' Great Britain centre, Paul Newlove, although he has still to make clear his intentions.

One eye-catching name in the Welsh squad is that of Wes Davies, the grandson of their most legendary player, Billy Boston. Davies has played in the first team at Wigan this season and has decided to use his Welsh qualification to follow in Boston's giant stud-marks.

Also named is Mark Jones, the former Warrington and Hull forward now back in rugby union with Ebbw Vale.

Scotland have added three new Australian names - Ben Sammut of Gateshead, Andrew Purcell of Hull and Jeremy Donougher of Bradford - to their squad. All the non native-born candidates, however, will have to produce documentary proof of their qualification before they can play.

The England coach, John Kear, will not name his squad for the two-legged challenge against France in October until the Great Britain and Ireland party to play Australia and New Zealand around the same time is selected. Final confirmation of dates and venues for that tournament are expected this week, despite indications that the Australians are dragging their feet.

The strike threat by Hull players has been lifted following the intervention of Super League. Eleven players had their wages cut last week and only played at Warrington on Sunday under protest.

But after a meeting with Super League's managing director, Maurice Lindsay, and the chairman of the Rugby League Players' Association, Abi Ekoku, Hull have agreed to meet their contract obligations.

Leeds have admitted that they are interested in the prospect of signing Jonah Lomu, should he decide to return to his original code of rugby.