Money drives Gibbs

SCOTT BBs summed up the new era of professionalism within rugby union after being welcomed back into the Welsh international fold for today's match against Italy.

Gibbs will blaze a trail at Rome's Olympic Stadium by becoming the first rugby league returnee to play again for his country in the union code.

But the Swansea centre admitted: "I am not bothered about making history. It doesn't mean anything - all I am concerned about is picking up my win bonus and going home on Sunday."

Gibbs, who earned the last of his 20 caps in 1993 before switching codes in a big-money move to St Helens, will pick up around £2,000 if Wales overcome the ambitious Italians.

"I want to play for the Lions again, but first of all I have got to keep my Wales place for the next couple of games," said Gibbs. "I am still feeling my way back into union.

"The two codes are different. The pace in union is much slower than in league and you can go for long periods without seeing any action. It can be quite tedious.

"It's still strange not to wake up the day after games counting the bruises as you did in league, but Wales and Swansea are both trying to play an expansive game and that's a good thing."

Gibbs who as come in for Nigel Davies - injured in the 40-33 defeat by France in Cardiff last week - is one of eight changes, two of them positional, from that match.

He will forge a new partnership in the centre with Bridgend's Gareth Thomas - who appeared on the wing against France - with Leigh Davies forced onto the replacements' bench.

With Ieuan Evans also injured, Cardiff's Simon Hill gets his chance with Bridgend's Dafydd James winning his second cap on the opposite wing.

Skipper Jonathan Humphreys returns at hooker after missing the French match with a hamstring strain, while clubmate Hemi Taylor, who was sidelined with a shoulder problem, is also recalled in the back row.

And Derwyn Jones will reforge his second row partnership with Gareth Llewellyn after losing out to Mike Voyle who injured his neck on club duty with Llanelli last weekend.

Italy have lost their three games with Wales - all in Cardiff - but in the previous meeting last January gave the home side a shock after recovering from 31-6 down to lose by just 31-26.

They have since beaten Scotland and Ireland and run South Africa close. With a full programme of games coming up - they play Ireland in January - Italy know victory would enhance their chances of joining an expanded Five Nations tournament.

. European clubs will be playing cross border league and cup rugby next season if an ambitious plan agreed in London yesterday takes off.

The expanded European Cup begins next week with pools on a league basis leading to a knockout cup.

But separate competitions are proposed by the newly formed European Rugby Federation (ERF), who have invited broadcasters to bid for the rights to show the new events.

In a statement, ERF said: "Professional rugby union clubs from England, Wales, Italy and France are pleased to announce that agreement has been reached.