Rugby League; Edwards still in doubt for semi-final

Rugby League

The England captain, Shaun Edwards, was described as responding to treatment in a private clinic for the knee infection that has laid him low, but he remains doubtful for the World Cup semi-final against Wales at Old Trafford on Saturday, writes Dave Hadfield.

Gary Connolly, the Wigan centre who has been out with pneumonia, yesterday completed a training session and will be considered for the semi-final.

The Welsh have serious injury problems of their own. John Devereux has a deep laceration of the knee and is rated at no better than 50-50, while Neil Cowie is thought to have strained ligaments and has had his ankle immobilised as a precaution. Allan Bateman is to see a dental surgeon over damage caused by a blow to his mouth.

Featherstone Rovers have signed Fiji's World Cup second-row forward Iliesa Toga on a one-year contract. And three of his Fijian team-mates - full- back Waisale Sovatabua, prop Malakai Yasa Kaunaivalu and winger Josaia Dakuitoga - have joined Sheffield.