Sport in Short: Rugby League

WALES'S participation in the World Sevens was in doubt last night with their team manager, Jim Mills, under pressure from his club, Widnes, to withdraw their four players from the trip. The expulsion of Wigan from the tournament in Sydney on the first weekend of February has hardened attitudes at Widnes against allowing their players to form the backbone of a Welsh squad.

ST HELENS are planning to sign the New Zealand Test prop, Ricky Cowan, to replace his fellow-countryman, Jarrod McCracken, who returned to his club, Canterbury, in Australia this week. Cowan is expected to arrive next week.