Rugby Union: Davies doubt for World Cup

PHIL DAVIES is in danger of missing Wales's World Cup qualifying matches in Portugal and Spain later this month.

Davies, who has 39 caps, damaged a shoulder early in Llanelli's 15-8 defeat by Cardiff in Saturday's Swalec Cup final and was forced to leave the field early in the second half.

'I did not realise at first how bad it was but eventually I just could not carry on,' the lock said. 'Hopefully, I will be OK and the bruising has come out. But it has stiffened up a lot and I do not have a lot of movement. It is a case of wait and see what the doctor says when he examines me at Tuesday night's squad training session.'

Wales play Portugal on 17 May and Spain four days later with the 26-strong party scheduled to leave for Lisbon on Saturday.

The England A team's assistant coach, Keith Richardson, has left his job as coach of Gloucester after seven years in the job. Richardson played for Gloucester, Bath and Rosslyn Park, before taking over from Dick Smith as coach at Kingsholm in May 1987.

Nigel Redman brought more honour to the double-winners Bath when he was named Player of the Season at the inaugural Rugby Union Awards dinner. The lock, who made his international debut 10 years ago, was recalled to play a key role in England's win over the All Blacks in November and has been at the heart of the Bath pack.