Sports Digest

A round-up of today's other stories in brief

Galway dealt severe blow

HURLING: Galway hurlers have suffered a massive blow with captain Shane Kavanagh likely to miss most of next season with an ankle injury. The 27-year old All-Star nominee, who skippered Galway to the league title this year, will undergo surgery this Friday on a troublesome ankle problem.

But with recovery time estimated at four to six months at best, full-back Kavanagh may not feature for Galway at all during 2011.

Wilkinson prepared to defy RFU

RUGBY: Jonny Wilkinson is prepared to challenge England’s hardline stance against selecting overseas-based players by signing a new deal to stay at Toulon.

The Rugby Football Union wrote to Wilkinson and the England squad a fortnight ago announcing their “absolute intention” to only pick players from domestic clubs following the 2011 World Cup.

Wilkinson’s contract expires in the summer but Toulon coach Philippe Saint-Andre confirmed his star outhalf is close to agreeing a new deal.

That would either force England to back down and pick Wilkinson under their “exceptional circumstances” clause, or signal the end of his glittering international career.

Wilkinson said: “I can understand where they are coming from and what they’re saying. I am happy where I am, it fits the bill for me. I am enjoying the experience and I’m learning a hell of a lot.”

Higgins ends 'hardest six months'of his life on a high

SNOOKER: John Higgins is hoping the “hardest six months” of his life are behind him after winning his third 12bet.com UK Championship title. Higgins trailed 9-5 to Mark Williams but recovered to win 10-9 in the final in Telford. It was his first major tournament triumph since serving a six-month ban for bringing the game into disrepute after admitting breaching rules around betting.

Higgins admits his family helped him through those difficult times and he has won 18 out of 19 matches since returning to competitive action last month.

He said: “It means everything just to be back playing and competing, and now winning the UK Championship means a great deal.

“It has been the hardest six months I’ll probably have to go through in my life but hopefully I’ve put it behind me now.

“It is a learning curve and it has made me more determined.” Higgins added: “These things come to test you in life and this is one thing I’ve had to battle through.”

Ward named in six-man squad

BOXING: Irish boxing chiefs have named two-weight World Junior and Youth champion Joe Ward in a six-strong squad for the 20-nation Abbas Agalarov Youth Cup in Baku, Azerbaijan. Ward, who claimed gold at this tournament last year, and Christy Joyce of the St Michael’s, Athy BC, will wear the light-heavyweight and welterweight vests for Ireland. Ward won light-middleweight gold at the AIBA World Junior Championships in 2009 and middleweight gold at the AIBA World Youth Championships in Baku earlier this year. The Moate BC clubman has since moved up to light-heavyweight – fuelling speculation he could meet Ken Egan in the seniors in February.

Squad – 49Kg: Evan Metcalfe (Crumlin) 56Kg: Declan Milligan (St Paul’s) 60Kg: Michael McDonagh (St Mary’s) 64Kg: Kieron Forde (Monivea) 69Kg: Christy Joyce (St Michael’s) 81Kg: Joe Ward (Moate) Team manager: Joe Charles Coaches: Jimmy Payne Eddie Bolger Physio: Ursula Brooks RJ: Philip Rooney.