BIG JON OUT TO FLOOR RIVALS; UPDATE.

JON WELSH quit boxing to focus on rugby and now aims to add punch to Glasgow's Magners League campaign.

The young prop has seen off a host of Test stars to claim the loosehead berth against champions Munster in the opener at Firhill tonight.

Welsh said: "I fought from the age of eight but by the time I was 14 I had to choose between the ring and rugby.

"Some people said I'd never make it as a pro rugby player but I knew I had it in me."

Warriors coach Sean Lineen also hands starting berths to new signings Chris Cusiter, Peter Murchie and Rob Dewey.

Cardiff coach DavidYoung thinks tonight's home game with Edinburgh could be their toughest of the season. He said: "The Gunners were probably the most improved team last term and deserved second place in the Magners League."

STV yesterday clinched a deal to beam Magners League highlights on Sunday evenings plus live coverage of derby clashes between Glasgow and Edinburgh.

HOCKEY: Russell Garcia will guide Scotland's senior men into theWorld Cup qualifiers in New Zealand from November 7-15 after Jon Royce declined to extend his short-term deal.

CRICKET: Scotland rebel John Blain, who walked out on his country on the eve of the Twenty20 World Cup, and his Yorkshire Academy side can seal their firstYorkshire League title tomorrow against a York CC team coached by former Scotland chief Jim Love.

Rain washed out the final day of the Scotland Lions clash with Notts 2nd XI at Cleethorpes and the match was declared a draw.

TENNIS: Scot Jamie Baker reached the ITF Futures event semi-finals in Nonthaburi, Thailand, with a 7-6 7-6 win over No.3 seed Jose Statham of New Zealand and now meets Canadian Milos Raonic.

ICE HOCKEY: British forward Neil Hay will start his eighth season at Edinburgh Capitals this month after re-signing for the Elite League club.

SPEEDWAY: The Edinburgh Monarchs face Workington Comets tonight and Somerset Rebels tomorrow, both at home. Berwick Bandits visit Scunthorpe Scorpions tonight and host King's Lynn tomorrow while Glasgow Tigers go to Stoke tomorrow and host Birmingham on Sunday.

CYCLING: Scot David Millar was 146th in yesterday's fifth stage of the Tour of Spain from Tarragona to Vinaros.

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TV HOST: Andy Nicol