Staples out of Five Nations

IRELAND fullback Jim Staples is out of this season's Five Nations' Championship after suffering another shattering injury blow.

The Harlequins star fractured his jaw following a clash of heads with England wing Adedayo Adebayo during Saturday's 35-20 Courage League defeat at Bath.

Staples was detained overnight in the city's Royal United Hospital, where X rays revealed damage to his upper jaw. He now faces a minimum three month lay off.

Adebayo left the field groggily after their 75th minute collision, although he should be fit for next Saturday's Test against Argentina if selected.

"Jim is an incredibly unlucky player. This latest setback comes at a time when he's been playing outstandingly well," said Harlequins' rugby director Dick Best. "He will be out,,of the game for at least 13 weeks.

Staples, 31, has suffered a succession of injury blows, but regained his international place when Ireland lost 22-12 to Australia at Lansdowne Road last month.

He captained Ireland four times last season, but was con cussed during the heavy Five Nations defeat against France and then saw, fullback rival Simon Mason take over.

First capped in 1991, Staples missed the entire 1993-94 season through damaged knee ligaments, before a broken hand ended last year's World Cup campaign for him just 30 minutes into Ireland's opening match against New Zealand.

He joined Harlequins from London Irish two years ago and has scored eight tries this term, including a Heineken Cup hat trick against Caledonia and league touchdowns during victories over Gloucester, London Irish, Bristol and Northampton.

In addition to fullback Tim Stimpson, who will be out for the statutory three weeks as a result of the concussion he sustained during the Barbarians' 39-12 defeat by Australia on Saturday, England coach Jack Rowell also has to ponder over the fitness of his vicecaptain Jason Leonard. Leonard pulled out of the Harlequins side for the league defeat at Bath with a slight hamstring tear. When Rowell today names his side to face Argentina on Saturday, he is likely to turn to Bath for Stimpson's replacement. He can switch Mike Catt from fly half or draft in goal kicking fullback Jon Callard.

Wales also face an injury crisis as they prepare for next Sunday's international against World Champions South Africa at Cardiff Arms Park.

The Welsh, who announce their team to take on the South Africans today, have major doubts over Gareth Thomas, Robert Howley and Colin Charvis.

Thomas, the flying three quarter who has scored four tries in Wales' last three internationals, was taken to hospital with a suspected broken palate after his Bridgend side were beaten 53-9 at Pontypridd.

Wales will be anxious that Thomas, who scored a scintillating 80 metre breakaway try against the Australians last week, is fit to take his place in the side.

Welsh scrum half Robert Howley left the field at Twickenham with a hamstring injury during the Barbarians' heavy defeat by Australia on Saturday, while Swansea flanker Charvis sustained a neck injury against Neath.

Welsh coach Kevin Bowring is likely to make a number of changes for the game against the World Champions anyway, with New Zealand born back row forward Dale McIntosh of Pontypridd hotly tipped to get his first call up since qualifying to play for his adopted country.

Wales will also be without the services of Scott Quinnell. The 24 year old union and league international is still no nearer to resolving his financial argument with the Welsh Rugby Union.

"He has been offered £10,000 by the WRU and £1,000 per game with a £1,000 win bonus. That is much less than the rest of the team and he wants a better differential."