Two of the big names which featured highly in the original entry list have withdrawn from this year's Talbot Hotel Wexford Rally.

Gwyndaf Evans - the Welshman who has been constantly barking at the heels of Eamonn Boland the past years here - won't be travelling Slaneyside this year.

Evans had been pencilled in as ninth on the original entry list, but decided not to bring their Escort across the Channel this time round.

His navigator Martin Henry will now sit alongside fellow Welshman Martin Evans, in replacement for another the Evans clan, Dorian.

In another blow for Welsh chances in the latest round of the West Wales Tarmacadam Championships, Chris Griffiths has also scratched from the list.

His departure means more movement in the co-drivers' hot seat shuffle.

Griffiths' right-hand-man Aled Davies now lines up alongside Englishman Chris Wood, replacing Ken Bills.

Donegal's representation has also slipped by one, with the departure of Paul Harris.

All this is to Wexford's gain, though, with the late inclusion of nine local crews, including five from New Ross.

The Whitty brothers, Paddy and Willie, have moved onto the start list with their New Ross Peugeot, while another late family affair will see Wexford's MArtin and Donie o'Dowd enter their Sunbeam.