Rugby Union: Wales are quick to replace their accident-prone tourists

WALES have been forced to make three changes to the tour party who will leave for Canada on 4 June.

Llanelli's utility back, Ian Jones, has been forced to withdraw with an ankle injury and is replaced by the Bridgend and Wales A wing, Gwilym Wilkins. The Cardiff wing, Nigel Walker, underwent an operation on his left shoulder this week and has also been forced to pull out.

His place in the party, who play four matches in Canada, Fiji, Tonga and Western Samoa next month, is taken by the Pontypridd and Wales A wing, David Manley.

Stuart Davies, the man who led Swansea to their second Heineken League title last season, is the only forward to drop out. His troublesome knee problems continue and his place among the back row men is taken by Neath and Wales A No 8, Steve Williams. Phil Davies, Emyr Lewis and Hemi Taylor have been passed fit to tour.

Ireland face a searching test in the fourth match of their Australian tour against Super Ten champions, Queensland, in Brisbane tomorrow. Against a Queensland side fielding 10 full internationals, the injury-troubled Irish play five men with no top-level experience. Jonathan Bell and Niall Woods, in the backs, are joined by the hooker, Keith Wood, Gabriel Fulcher at lock and the flanker, David Corkery.