Sporting Digest: Rugby Union

Gwyn Jones, the Wales captain, was yesterday said to be improving steadily after an operation to relieve the pressure on his injured spine. The Cardiff flanker, who has been in the University Hospital of Wales since he suffered the injury in a game against Swansea on Saturday, was described as "stable and comfortable".

Bristol have signed the highly rated new Zealand centre Adam Larkin, who represented North Harbour in the Super 12 competition last season.

Ambitious Worcester have appointed Carl Douglas as their first full-time youth development officer.