Rugby:Stephen Jones has been drafted into the Wales replacements for tomorrow's Six Nations Championship match against England at Twickenham after James Hook was forced with withdraw.
Perpignan’s Hook underwent a medical review following his recent bout of chicken pox at the Wales team headquarters in London after flying in from the French-based club yesterday afternoon.
Although Hook is physically well it was felt that, in the best interests of the Welsh team and the opposition, he should be withdrawn from the game. Whilst this decision was not taken lightly, it was concluded that this was the most responsible course of action in the present circumstances.
Jones, who holds the Welsh records for the highest number of international appearances (104) and most conversions (153), will wear the number 21 shirt vacated by Hook. The former made his international debut as a replacement against South Africa in 1998 and is a veteran of two Welsh Grand Slams (2005, 2008), four Rugby World Cups (1999, 2003, 2007, 2011) and two British and Irish Lions Tours (2005, 2009).
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