Rugby Union: John calls in backs for the future

WALES have named three new caps in their side to face Zimbabwe in Harare today.

Full-back David Weatherley and wing Richard Rees, both of Swansea, are joined by the Neath prop Darren Morris for the opening game of Wales' six-match tour of southern Africa. The Wales caretaker coach, Dennis John, has also recalled Mark Jones of Ebbw Vale.

The Irish centre, Jonathan Bell, is out of his country's tour of South Africa through a hamstring injury, the tour manager, Donal Lenihan, said yesterday.

WALES (v Zimbabwe, today, Harare): D Weatherley (Swansea; R Rees (Swansea), D James (Pontypridd), M Taylor (Swansea), W Proctor (Llanelli); A Thomas (Swansea), R Howley (Cardiff, capt); D Morris (Neath), G Jenkins (Swansea), J Davies (Richmond), M Jones (Ebbw Vale), A Moore (Swansea), N Thomas (Bath), S Quinnell (Richmond), M Williams (Pontypridd). Replacements: M Griffiths (Pontypridd), B Williams (Richmond), C Charvis (Swansea), C Wyatt (Llanelli), B Hayward (Ebbw Vale), J Funnell (Ebbw Vale), P John (Pontypridd).

IRELAND (v Western Province, today, Cape Town): C O'Shea; J Bishop, M McCall, K Maggs, D Hickie; E Elwood, C McGuiness; J Fitzpatrick, A Clarke, P Wallace, P Johns (capt), M O'Kelly, D Corkery, A Ward, D O'Cuinneagain. Replacements: B O'Meara, D Humphreys, R Henderson, P Clohessey, B Jackman, D Fulcher, V Costello.