Rugby Digest: CHALLENGE CUP Connacht have received a boost ahead of their Challenge Cup semi-final against Sale Sharks tomorrow with the news that Colm Rigney has signed for the province on a two-year contract.

The former Connacht back row has chosen to return to the province after two seasons with English Premiership side Leeds Tykes.

Connacht manager Tim Allnutt expressed his delight at the signing. "Colm is a top quality backrow player, who has performed very well with Leeds over the past two seasons, and has played a key role in his sides achievement of reaching the Powergen Cup Final.

"Having played with Connacht two seasons ago he is familiar with the set-up here and will fit into the squad well next season."

Meanwhile, England captain Jason Robinson, who has recovered from a thumb injury, has been named in Sale's team for the semi-final against Connacht.

Robinson missed England's last two Six Nations matches against Italy and Scotland due to a torn thumb ligament but is now fit.

"The specialist has given me the go ahead," said Robinson.

EUROPEAN CUP: England outhalf Jonny Wilkinson has been named in the Newcastle squad for their Heineken European Cup quarter-final against Stade Francais tomorrow.

Wilkinson has not played since hurting his left knee on March 13th against Harlequins on his return from a knee ligament operation.

The England number 10, who still hopes to take part in the Lions tour in June, has not played for his country since kicking the winning drop-goal in the 2003 World Cup final win over Australia due to shoulder, knee and then bicep injuries.

Wilkinson and Newcastle's Wales flanker Colin Charvis, who is recovering from a foot injury, are two of 11 possible Newcastle replacements for tomorrow's game at the Parc des Princes in Paris.

The 11 will be whittled down to seven in time for the game.

"Jonny is no more than 50-50 at the moment," Newcastle director of rugby Rob Andrew said yesterday.

"He has done part of our training this week, but hasn't done some of it, and we'll have to wait until the day of the game to decide on him."