Jenkins under surgeon's knife

NEIL JENKINS went under the surgeon's knife yesterday, his domestic season definitely over and promising Lions prospects in ruins.

The record Welsh points scorer suffered a fractured left arm just eight minutes into Saturday's Five Nations Championship clash against England at Cardiff Arms Park.

Although Jenkins bravely, but briefly, played on, his inevitable departure was swiftly followed by confirmation that he had sustained a serious injury.

The Pontypridd captain was admitted to Morriston Hospital, Swansea, yesterday, where specialists planned a delicate operation which involved inserting a metal plate and screws.

"It is a savage blow for Neil, his club and possibly the Lions," said Pontypridd team manager Eddie Jones.

"I spoke to him and as you can he is bitterly disappointed.

He's extremely down in the dumps, but hopes that the surgery will help speed up his recovery.

Jenkins's 50th cap turned sour when he was defending against England's first dangerous attack and, in an ensuing mad scramble for possession, he received the injury.