Jones ruled out of England clash

Wales captain Stephen Jones has been forced to withdraw from Saturday's RBS 6 Nations Championship clash with England after suffering a fractured bone in his wrist.

Gareth Thomas comes into the starting XV at inside centre and takes over as captain, with James Hook moving to fly-half.

Jones was named in the Wales team after recovering from a blow to the head he suffered in the 23-20 defeat to Italy last weekend.

He also damaged his wrist in Rome but was passed fit to start until he aggravated the injury in training on Tuesday.

X-rays revealed he had suffered a fracture.

Jones is expected to be out for up to three weeks, which also makes him a doubt for the Llanelli Scarlets' Heineken Cup quarter-final against Munster on March 30.

Wales head coach Gareth Jenkins said: "Stephen has been nothing short of inspirational in camp over the last few days and this is by no means ideal preparation for what is an important week for us all.

"However we are all confident James Hook will be able to change position and meet the challenge presented to him and Alfie's (Thomas) inclusion has positive implications both psychologically and for rugby reasons.

"We are in the privileged position of being able to call upon a player of his immense captaincy pedigree, rugby history and leadership talents to fill the void left by Stephen's injury."