Rugby Union: Morgan and Evans out of Wales squad

Ieuan Evans, Wales' leading try scorer and most-capped player, and Kevin Morgan have been left out of the 36-strong squad announced by Kevin Bowring for next month's internationals against Tonga and New Zealand.

Both Scott and Craig Quinnell are back in favour for the games on 16 and 29 November, after at one time being threatened with losing their places if they put their club, Richmond, before their country.

Evans, who recently moved from Llanelli to Bath in a pounds 75,000 deal, has a groin problem, and Bowring was quick to say: "Based on form and fitness, this squad is the strongest available. Ieuan Evans is missing on fitness, rather than retirement, grounds."

Morgan, the Pontypridd full-back, who has played in Wales' last four internationals, is included in a 17-man development squad.

Pontypridd are prepared to travel without their alleged bar-room brawlers if they secure a Heineken Cup rematch against the holders, Brive, in France. Under French law, No 8 Dale McIntosh, hooker Phil John and centre Andre Barnard cannot visit the Correze region while investigations continue into events at Brive's Bar Toulzac.

An examining judge has told the trio they have a case to answer, and are therefore barred from entry, unless Pontypridd can obtain legal exemption.

The Welsh club have written to Heineken Cup directors requesting a reduction in their pounds 30,000 fine, imposed after the match in France, as they believe their punishment - a pounds 15,000 fine with pounds 15,000 suspended - is too severe.

"We are not refusing to pay our fine," Cenydd Thomas, the club's chief executive, said. "But I have written to European Rugby Cup Limited seeking a reduction. We want a situation whereby we have a pounds 10,000 fine and pounds 20,000 suspended."