Rugby: Wales captain Jones fit for World Cup

LONDON - First five-eighths Stephen Jones will be fit to captain Wales at the rugby World Cup starting on September 7, the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) said on Thursday (NZ time).

Jones sustained a groin injury in training last week but medical scans showed he had suffered a partial tear only to a tendon in his left groin and would not require surgery.

A WRU statement said a programme of treatment and rest should ensure Jones was back in full training by the end of August.

"This is magnificent news for us and just the tonic we need as we prepare for our warmup games against England this week and Argentina and France at the Millennium Stadium later this month," Wales head coach Gareth Jenkins said in the statement.

"Stephen is very much the lifeblood of this squad. He is a key leader and vital to us not just because of his rugby experience and what he offers on the pitch, but because of the impact he makes on the squad throughout our time together."

- REUTERS