Jones goes home

Wales welcomed home another exile from rugby league yesterday when Warrington's prop forward Mark Jones returned to union with Ebbw Vale.

"We have accepted a nominal fee from Ebbw Vale for Mark," confirmed the Warrington director of football, Alex Murphy.

Jones won 15 caps for Wales while with Neath before turning professional with Hull six years ago. The 31-year-old forward, who was transfer-listed at pounds 35,000 by Warrington earlier this month, was also a target for Newport. He will probably play No 8 for Ebbw Vale, his position with Neath, although his bulk may see him move into the second row.

Jones will be keen to try and force his way back into the Welsh team and follow Scott Gibbs, the former St Helens centre who was named in the 21-man Welsh squad for Saturday's game against Italy.