Bell's International Future in Doubt

By Lestyn
April 19 2004

Duncan Bell's Wales career looks in danger of ending before it even begins, if the IRB cannot be persuaded to let the 29 year old Bath tighthead switch his allegience due to a loophole in eligibility rules.

Former Pontypridd player Bell toured with England and even featured as a sub against Australia on the tour from "hell" in 1998, failing to get on as Woodward's side were thumped 76-0.

Changes in 2000 eligibility laws mean that players who have toured for a country, are unable to represent another even if they fail to win a cap.

However the WRU believe they have a firm case, that Bell can pull on a jersey other than the country of his birth, having fulfilled his residency in Wales at the end of June this year.

Citing the case of Steve Devine, who despite representing Australia at sevens in 1998 before new regulations were introduced, was able to be capped by New Zealand in 2002, Wales team manager Alan Phillips is keen to secure his future ahead of the Autumn internationals;

"Myself and Steve Lewis met Duncan last week. Following on from that we will be sending a letter to the IRB this week. Duncan has made it clear what his intentions are and we will do our best for him."

Without Bell this summer, Ruddock is expected to turn his attention to Chris Anthony, with the in form Dragons tighthead tipped to restart his international career.