RUGBY NEWS: CONNACHT PROP Robbie Morris has officially announced his retirement as a result of a back injury.

The former English international played his last game for the province against Toulon in last season’s Amlin Cup semi-final, having played 39 Magners League games for Connacht since joining in 2007 from Newcastle.

Connacht coach Eric Elwood said the 28-years-old Morris was “a true professional whose positive attitude both on and off the field was exceptional”.

“In the three years Robbie has been with us, he has made a huge impression on everyone and the work he has done helping to bring the younger members through has been invaluable.”

Morris, who was capped for England in 2003 against Wales, is hoping to make the switch to coaching, and is involved with Galwegians’ Under-21s in addition to helping Connacht forward coach Dan McFarland.

Meanwhile, Shane Williams faces a battle to be fit for Wales’ Six Nations opener against England in Cardiff on February 4th.

The Ospreys wing dislocated his left shoulder and was forced off at half-time during the 29-25 defeat against world champions South Africa on Saturday.

He will be sidelined for a minimum of 10 weeks, and now faces exploratory surgery in the next 48 hours. He was hurt after falling awkwardly in a tackle.

Argentina, who have lost two players to injury after their 22-16 win over Italy, were expecting the arrival of replacements in Montpellier ahead of Saturday’s Test against France.

Wing Rafael Carballo of Begles Bordeaux, who missed Saturday’s match in Verona with a torn leg muscle, and lock Manuel Carizza of Biarritz will be returning to their French clubs.

Two Argentina-based forwards, backrow Leonardo Senatore of Gimnasia-Rosario and lock Julio Farias Cabello of Tucuman Rugby, were being flown in as the Pumas are also worried about the fitness of number eight Juan Fernandez Lobbe. Argentina meet Ireland in Dublin on Sunday week.