Rugby Union

Scott Quinnell, the Richmond No 8, looks set to become the first player to benefit from Welsh Rugby Union's decision to pay a much bigger match fee to "exiled'' internationals than to home-based players. The WRU has agreed to pay the former Wigan rugby league forward pounds 4,000 a match instead of the pounds 1,000 paid to home-based players contracted to the Union.

The Cardiff flanker Emyr Lewis faces a six-week lay-off after breaking the index finger on his left hand during Saturday's Heineken European Cup defeat in Toulouse.

The Rugby Football Union yesterday signed a pounds 100,000 footwear deal with Puma to supply the RFU with the company's boots, trainers and holdalls.

The Second Division club Moseley have signed the 25-year-old former Junior All Blacks stand-off Richard Le Bas after the player impressed coaches in two reserve team trial games in the past week.

Bath are concerned by reports that supporters of the French side, Dax, plan to release cockerels on to the field before the start of their European Cup match on Saturday. The English champions have contacted the RSPCA for advice and are considering whether to employ a professional bird catcher.