Rugby Union: 'Slight improvement' in Gwyn Jones

Gwyn Jones, the Wales captain, is said to be comfortable after spending a third day in hospital after suffering a serious neck injury during Saturday's game against Swansea.

The 25-year-old Cardiff flanker suffered a compressed spinal cord when he was trapped at the bottom of a ruck and complained of having no feeling in his arms and legs.

He is being constantly monitored by doctors at the University Hospital of Wales and a spokesman said: "He is having extensive treatment and there has been a slight improvement."

The Leicester hooker, Richard Cockerill, celebrates his 27th birthday today with a recall to the side for the Allied Dunbar Premiership match at Richmond.

Despite Saturday's 55-15 victory over Sale, Tigers' coach, Bob Dwyer, rotates his squad with the club just one game into a hectic schedule of six league and cup matches in 22 days.

Craig Joiner comes in on the right wing for Austin Healey, Perry Freshwater takes over at loose-head prop with Graham Rowntree switching to tight- head and Will Johnson comes in at No 8 for Eric Miller.

Bristol are considering selling the Memorial Ground in an attempt to ease their debts of around pounds 2m. The club say that this is one of a series of options that the Board are considering but they hope to make an announcement before Christmas.

Bristol are struggling at the foot of the Premiership One table with just one victory from seven games.