OUT HALF Arwel Thomas received a vote of confidence from the Welsh selectors yesterday when they named an unchanged side for the match against Ireland.

There had been speculation that Neil Jenkins would be recalled after Thomas missed the late conversion which sentenced Wales to a 16-14 defeat against Scotland in Cardiff last Saturday.

Wales coach Kevin Bowring said the Thomas Jenkins issue was discussed. As to any thoughts of shackling Thomas, Bowring declared: "Arwel has no limitations placed on his style - he is encouraged to play his own game.

"We are still not quite sure what he will do, and when he will do it, but that unpredictability will be encouraged."

The 24 players in the Wales squad have agreed playing contracts with the Welsh Rugby Union which will net them a retainer of £5,000 to cover the period between January and the autumn of this year.