The cold snap continued to bite in the UK this afternoon as a raft of sporting fixtures fell prey to the sub-zero conditions sweeping the country.

Toulouse 26 Newport Gwent Dragons 7

Wales coach Warren Gatland last night hit out in the player release row between the Welsh Rugby Union and the regional sides and insisted five days’ preparation for the opening November Test would be “insufficient”.

Wales coach Mike Ruddock has made two changes – both enforced by an injury to skipper Gareth Thomas – for Sunday’s RBS 6 Nations Championship clash against Scotland at Murrayfield.

Wales tonight received a major boost when former skipper Martyn Williams was declared fit to face world champions England.