Rugby Union: Jenkins wanted

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PONTYPRIDD'S Wales and Lions outside-half, Neil Jenkins, is being courted by English Premiership club Saracens as a replacement for their Australian Michael Lynagh.

Jenkins has been linked with a six-figure move to the newly-crowned European champions Bath, but Saracens' millionaire owner, Nigel Wray, revealed that Jenkins has had discussions about a move should Lynagh fulfill his promise of retiring from rugby at the end of the season.

"We are in discussion with a number of players, said Wray. "Our talks with Neil are at a very early stage, but clearly we have to find a quality replacement."

Jenkins has indicated that he would relish a move to England and added another fine performance to his CV in Pontypridd's 41-5 victory over Newport. The win moved them level with Cardiff in second in the Welsh Premier Division. Jenkins scored one of his side's six tries, ending with a personal tally of 18 points.

It was Jenkin's rival for the Wales No 10 shirt, Arwel Thomas, who was Swansea's star performer in their 26-26 draw with visitors Llanelli. His seven penalties ensured the league leaders held off a determined Scarlet's challenge. The match began in controversy as referee David Davies ordered the Lllaneli team back to the dressing room to remove illegal padding.

Watsonians took their visitors Melrose's lead in Scotland's Tennents Premiership title race by edging out the champions 33-24 at Myreside yesterday.

Melrose got off to the perfect start with a try from the scrum-half, Bryan Redpath. All their good work was undone, however, when Watsonians' Jamie Mayer grabbed his second try with six minutes remaining.

Bedford increased their lead in Allied Dunbar Premiership Two with a 24-13 win at Wakefield, after London Scottish were held 18-18 by Coventry.