Sporting Digest: Rugby Union

The former New Zealand fly-half and current Manchester Sale captain, Shane Howarth, has switched allegiances and from now on will play for Wales. Howarth, whose grandfather was born in Cardiff, won his last cap for the All Blacks against Australia in 1994 and can take the field immediately because more than four years have elapsed. Wales's new coach, the New Zealander Graham Henry, played a key role in helping Howarth make his decision. "He was my coach for seven years in Auckland, the best one I've ever had," he said.

The London Broncos utility back Luke Goodwin today switched codes by agreeing to join the Premiership One club London Scottish. The two clubs are tenants at Harlequins' Stoop ground and Goodwin will report for union training with Scottish on Monday if Broncos lose tonight's Super League clash with St Helens. Should London win, however, the 25-year-old Australian - who will miss the Saints game with an ankle injury - will stay with the Broncos for their last match at Castleford next Sunday.