WHATEVER Welsh public opinion may feel, Jonathan Davies has been making it clear that he is reluctant to be considered the saviour of Welsh rugby and may therefore have breathed a sigh of relief at his omission from the Wales Five Nations squad named yesterday. Selection to play England at Twickenham on Saturday week will follow next Tuesday.

Kevin Bowring, the Wales had been expected to come up a 32 strong party but once he restricted it to 24, there was place for Davies, whether at side half or centre. Instead Jenkins was included the new out halt, Arwel with doubts over Jenkins's providing Davies's one way back in.

As Davies (32) has been taken aback by the perception of him some sort of messiah since his? return from rugby league, he will be hoping Jenkins comes' through. But the bone which permitted debut in last week's Italian match is still not healed and, having already withdrawn from Pontypridd's visit to Swansea last night, he is also doubtful for his club's fixture against New South Wales on Saturday.

In the meantime Jenkins will be examined when the squad get together tomorrow, and if necessary will be given leave from the training weekend in Tenby, Pembrokeshire, to face NSW. "If Neil isn't fit we'll bring someone else into the squad," Bowring said. That someone may or may not be Davies, since there is an impressive younger alternative available in the 19 year old Lee Jarvis, who has been playing for Pontypridd in Jenkins's absence.

Scottish international Doddie Weir has signed a three year contract with Newcastle rugby club. Weir will be eligible for the club's last four league games along with his Scottish team mate Gary Armstrong.

"Doddie's signing is a great boost for us," said Newcastle manager Rob Andrew. It's another piece in the jigsaw and it's a big, big decision for Doddie. I'm delighted he has finally signed."