Rugby Union: Higgs wings his way from Neath to Bristol in time for the weekend

Bristol have signed former Wales schools wing and sevens international Chris Higgs from Neath. Higgs should be eligible to play in Saturday's home match against Richmond, as his registration forms have been forwarded to the Rugby Football Union.

"I have watched Higgs on several occasions and he is a very quick winger who prefers playing on the right," Fred Howard, the Bristol rugby manager, said yesterday.

No transfer fee is involved as the South Wales policeman is not allowed to be under contract with any club. The 28-year-old former sprinter will contest the right-wing berth with the Tonga international Dave Tiueti while Darren Yapp continues to deputise for long-term leg injury-victim Ben Breeze.

The Irish RFU have announced that Ireland will play two tests in South Africa in June. The Irish selectors have opted for a hard schedule with seven matches in 22 days, including just a week between the two Tests.

"Playing back-to-back tests is no more difficult than it would be in the World Cup and that was part of our thinking," the Ireland manager, Pat Whelan, said.

IRELAND TOUR OF SOUTH AFRICA: Itinerary: Saturday 30 May v Boland (Wellington); Wednesday 3 June v SW Districts (George); Saturday 6 June v Western Province (Cape Town); Tuesday 9 June v Griqualand West (Kimberley); Saturday 13 June v South Africa (Bloemfontein); Tuesday 16 June v North West (Potchefstroom); Saturday 20 June v South Africa (Pretoria).