Better news for Stephen Jones

Wales fly-half Stephen Jones injured his left ankle playing for Clermont Auvergne against Biarritz on Saturday was expected to be out for quite some time. This may well have been too pessimistic.

Jones was taken off in the Biarritz wet after a team-mate had fallen on his ankle. There was talk of his being pout for three to four weeks.

Now the Clermont medical team seems to expect him to be fit to play against Stade Français in Montferrand this weekend. This must be good news for the Welsh as well as it was regarded as touch-and-go whether he would be fit for the November Tests.

There is also the possibility that Tony Marsh will be back to face Stade Français.

Brian Liebenberg appears not to be so fortunate and looks set to moss the trip to Montferrand while Mauro Bergamasco's calf injury is also causing Stade Français concern.

Imanol Harinordoquy will miss Biarritz's showdown with Toulouse on Sunday but could well be fit to face Bourgoin. But then they could have Thomas Lièvremont back.

Yann Delaigue, his shoulder injured in May, is expected to be back in the Castres side.