Rugby Union: Jenkins set for move to Cardiff

PONTYPRIDD HAVE agreed to allow their prized asset, the dead-eye Wales stand-off, Neil Jenkins, to quit the Rhonda club for a lucrative move to their arch rivals Cardiff. The 27-year-old Jenkins, who asked for a transfer earlier this week, is expected to cost last season's acquisitive Welsh rebels pounds 200,000.

Pontypridd's chief executive, Cenydd Thomas, said: "There has been a meeting between Neil Jenkins and the club at which Neil handed in a request to the executive committee. We have decided in the interests of the club and Neil that we approve his request to move. But we will expect a substantial transfer fee."

Jenkins joined Pontypridd as a 15-year-old and won the first of his 66 Wales caps against England in the 1991 Five Nations' Championship. With 803 Test match points, he is only 108 behind Michael Lynagh's record. His club record is equally impressive - he has scored 1,896 points for Ponty in the nine seasons of National League rugby in Wales. His best return came in 1995 when he broke the Premier Division record with 285 points. He equalled that two seasons later.

The Wales flanker Martyn Williams, who has already left Pontypridd for Cardiff, yesterday revealed his mixed feelings at leaving his home-town club. The 24-year-old has signed a four-year-deal at the Arms Park. "It was a huge wrench to leave Pontypridd," Williams said. "They have been the only team I have played for since I started at 16. I certainly had to think long and hard about moving." Cardiff have also signed the Wales winger Nick Walne, on a three-year deal, from Richmond.

Worcester have signed prop Tony Windo, lock Dave Sims, hooker Chris Hall and flanker Nathan Carter from Gloucester on full-time contracts.

The Scotland international Alan Tait has committed himself to staying with Edinburgh Reivers for the forthcoming season. He was an ever-present in Scotland's Five Nations triumph with five tries in the championship to lift his tally to 14 in 22 caps. That number of appearances would be higher but for a switch to rugby league with Great Britain and Widnes. Tait returned to the code by joining Newcastle and switched to Reivers last year.

Carl Hogg, another Scotland international, will remain with Reivers for a further two years.