Griffiths signs lucrative Wasps deal

Mike Griffiths, the Welsh prop, has signed for Wasps in a deal that will pay him pounds 210,000 over the next three years.

Griffiths, who won the last of his 34 caps in last June's World Cup, is not even a first choice at Cardiff. The 34-year-old made his Wales debut in 1988 and toured with the Lions the following year.

Rob Smith, the Wasps coach said: "Mike is a very strong scrummager. The laws are changing next season and we are back to serious scrums."

Robert Howley, the Bridgend scrum-half and captain, was last night named Welsh Player of the Year. The outside-half Lee Jarvis, who is joining Cardiff from Pontypridd, was named the Most Promising Player of the Year.

Phil Moss has stepped down as Orrell coach after two years in charge and has handed over to Andy Macfarlane. The new man joined the club from Sale as player-coach and made his debut at No 8 in the 29-26 home defeat by Bristol in Orrell's final game of the season last weekend.