Higgins axed from Wexford squad

Less than two weeks after he led Wexford out for the Leinster SHC final against Kilkenny, it now seems that Nigel Higgins' inter-county hurling career is at an end.

Higgins was 15 minutes late for a training session last Thursday with the late show prompting Wexford manager John Meyler to axe his captain from the squad.

Meyler confirmed that "the matter had been dealt with internally" and that Higgins is no longer part of Wexford's plans for their upcoming All-Ireland quarter-final.

But rumours are rife that Higgins' team-mates had a say in his departure as they were understood to be unhappy with him being recalled to the side for the championship after two years' absence.

This is Higgins' second time to part company with the Wexford panel - he decided to quit before the 2005 Leinster final against Kilkenny.

As busy off the field as he is on it, it seemed almost inevitable that the 27-year-old's business interests would catch up on him and hinder his training commitments with Wexford.

The Rathnure clubman recently opened a new boutique business in Enniscorthy with his partner, but he also combines this with running a transport company, an import business and a stud farm.

Wexford are due to face the winners of this Saturday's qualifier clash between Cork and Tipperary in the All-Ireland's last-eight. Veteran goalkeeper Damien Fitzhenry is expected to take over Higgins' duties as captain.