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15:57 GMT, Friday, 2 May 2008 16:57 UK

Popham pulls out of Wales plans

Alix Popham

Number eight Alix Popham has made himself unavailable for Wales' summer training camp and tour of South Africa.

The 33-cap Scarlet has just agreed a big-money summer transfer to Brive.

Popham had been told his move would not affect his Wales future as he was in talks with Brive before a strategy was agreed to favour Welsh-based players.

The back-rower, 28, who will not be replaced in Wales' training squad, won his last cap from the bench in the Six Nations win over England in February.

After that match he was dropped from the 22, coach Warren Gatland citing a lack of on-field discipline.

Earlier this week, Gatland added Scarlets flanker Dafydd Jones and Ospreys centre Andrew Bishop to his pre-South Africa tour training camp.

Gatland named a 24-man training squad - now reduced to 23 - which will form the core of the squad for the two-Test series.

Dragons duo Andy Williams and Rhys Thomas confirmed their places after being released by the region.

Ospreys pair Sonny Parker and Lee Byrne confirmed their availability after recovering from knee injuries.

On the inclusion of Jones and Bishop Gatland said: "Dafydd and Andrew are two players who have shown form at regional level this season and they now have an opportunity to put their hands up for the South Africa trip."

Back-rower Jones has already won 29 caps and last played for Wales against France in 2006, appearing as a replacement, while 22-year-old Bishop is yet to win his first cap.

The call-up to the camp is a bonus for the 28-year-old who recently said he extended his contract with the Scarlets in the hope of regaining a place in the Wales team.

Wales will announce their full South Africa tour squad on 14 May and will take on the Sprinboks in two tests at Vodacom Park, Bloemfontein, on 7 June and Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria, a week later.




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