SCOTT Quinnell (pictured) has suffered a recurrence of his knee injury and has been ruled out of a Wales recall for next week's Six Nations clash against Ireland in Cardiff (writes Robin Davey).

There could even be a doubt about his fitness for Wales' November internationals against Argentina, Tonga and Australia.

Quinnell needed an operation after damaging the knee on the British Lions tour to Australia and he broke down in training with Llanelli this week.

Quinnell's absence paves the way for Swansea's Geraint Lewis to retain the Wales No 8 spot.

The Irish have dropped Lions lock Jeremy Davidson from their squad for next Saturday's game and recalls Munster captain Mick Galwey.

Ireland Squad: G Dempsey, S Horgan, D Hickie, M Mullins, B O'Driscoll, K Maggs, R O'Gara, D Humphreys, G Easterby, P Stringer, P Clohessy, J Hayes, E Byrne, K Wood, F Sheahan, M O'Kelly, G Longwell, M Galwey, A Foley, D Wallace, K Dawson, E Miller. Meanwhile, Welsh Rugby Union vice-chairman Les Williams has questioned the views of coach Graham Henry over the proposed reduction in the number of clubs.

"There are not many people on the WRU who agree with something as dreadful as the lowering of the number of clubs," he said.

"We listen to everything Henry says, but doing everything he wants is something totally different."