BELL’S WALES HOPES DASHED

Bell, who travelled Down Under with England on the so-called Tour to Hell in 1998, has been fighting to play for his adopted country.

The 30-year-old even turned down the chance to play for England A last season in the hope of playing for his adopted country.

Bell won the Welsh Cup during his two years with Pontypridd – having also spent a season at Ebbw Vale – and still lives with his Welsh wife and child in south Wales despite signing for Bath last year.

But the IRB has rejected an appeal by the Welsh Rugby Union by confirming his appearance on the England bench in Australia prevents him from switching allegiance.