WALES SUFFER FURTHER BLOW

It was following a deal brokered by Wales coach Mike Ruddock to guarantee their availability for Saturday’s Test against the All Blacks. However, prop Chris Horsman has been given clearance by Worcester to make his first international start against Fiji this Friday night.

“I’m aware of the issues for Wales with the English and French clubs but as far as I’m aware I am available to play Fiji,” said Horsman. “I have spoken to Worcester’s director of rugby John Brain and there didn’t seem to be a problem. In fact I would probably not get in the team anyway after they beat Leicester at the weekend.

“I would hate to miss out on the chance of winning another cap now that I have tasted the experience of international rugby.”

Horsman for Wales qualified last month on residency grounds and won his first cap as a replacement during Saturday’s 41-3 defeat at the Millennium Stadium.

“It was a bitter sweet moment. It was the achievement of a long-term goal for me but I was obviously disappointed that we lost,” he said. “I gave myself a moment of reflection after the game. I went back out onto the field and got quite emotional. I felt I had come full circle and totally put my previous health problems of overcoming cancer behind me. It was a special moment.”