Rugby League: Davies to take his talents to Warrington

JONATHAN DAVIES is poised to sign for Warrington tomorrow, as Widnes try to dig their way out of crippling debts, writes Dave Hadfield.

The former Welsh rugby union captain, aged 30, said he was 'almost certain' to join Warrington - and the club are sufficiently confident to have called a press conference.

The new Sheffield Eagles coach, Bill Gardner, has arrived from Australia to take up his post. Gardner, who was on the coaching staff of the world champions, Brisbane Broncos, for five years, said that he hoped to stay longer than his initial two-year contract.

'We wanted someone who was used to working in a highly successful environment,' said the Sheffield chairman, Gary Hetherington, who has stood down from his dual role as coach. 'There was no English coach who met the criteria.'

London Crusaders cancelled the press conference yesterday that was expected to announce the signing of John Gallagher, the London-born former All Blacks full-back, from Leeds, but hope to go ahead with it today.