Rugby: England cricket legend Ian Botham insists he will be happy if his son Liam turns his back on the country of his birth to play for Wales. The 22-year-old Cardiff wing is to be included in the 70-strong Wales training squad announced today, and although he is not eligible to play for the principality until November it is the first step on the road to donning a red shirt.

Former England Under-21 Botham still harbours hopes of receiving a call-up to the full side from Clive Woodward, but is keeping his options open - a course of action his dad approves of.

Ian Botham said: "It's a great situation for a youngster to be in. I'm his dad and manager and I shall be advising him to take his time over this decision.

Swimming: Three of Ireland's top swimmers, short-listed for the Sydney Olympics, have been forced out of the Geneva international long-course meeting next weekend, reports Pat Roche.

Colin Lowth (butterfly) and Hugh O'Connor (backstroke) are unavailable because of university studies, while Mayo's Niamh Cawley has flu.

Lowth came within two per cent of the qualifying time for the 200 metres butterfly in Sheffield to establish himself as the closest of all Team 2000 members to Olympic qualification. Nick O'Hare, based in Canada, and US-based Chantal Gibney will not break their programmes for Geneva. O'Hare is the only Irish swimmer with Olympic experience in line for Sydney recognition, having produced a superb performance in Sheffield.

Lowth's Cormorant team-mates Graham Beegan and Nicola Pepper are included in the team for Geneva, as is the Longford prospect Siobhain McNally. The 11-strong team is completed by Fiona Kinsella and Muiris O Riada (Trojan), Neal Cameron (Leander), Andrew Bree (Ards), Mark Craig (Ards), Lee Kelleher (Cork), Louise Robinson (Bangor), Mark Craig (Ards) and Michael Williamson (Lisburn).

The European championships in Helsinki in July are set as the last opportunity for Sydney qualification.