Flanker Jones out of Wales squad for Italy trip

LONDON - Wales flanker Dafydd Jones has been forced to pull out of Saturday's Six Nations rugby match against Italy in Rome with a groin injury, the BBC reported today.

Blindside Jones, who played in the 11-9 victory over world champions England at the Millennium Stadium last Saturday, will be replaced in the Welsh back row by Jonathan Thomas, while uncapped Cardiff flanker Robin Sowden-Taylor will take up a place on the bench.

"It's unfortunate to lose Dafydd at this late stage but Jonathan Thomas is a more than able replacement for him in the back row," Wales coach Mike Ruddock said.

Thomas, 22, won his first cap for Wales against Australia in 2003 and impressed in matches against New Zealand and England at the World Cup later that year. He will win his 17th cap on Saturday.

- REUTERS