Rugby

In part three of our series Prof Steve Jackson, of the University of Otago, suggests rugby needs a transfer fee system.

The Otago Rugby Supporters Club is still hunting for new premises and will stay at Carisbrook for now, despite games being played on the other side of town.

Richie McCaw is facing up to a few challenges this year and recovering from his injured foot is probably the least of them.

The cash-strapped Otago Rugby Football Union intends to slash its future player wage bill - which was $1.1 million last year - by $400,000, chairman Wayne Graham revealed yesterday.

The Highlanders do not play a home game for nearly three weeks but their season ticket sales already exceed last year's.

New Zealand have failed to claim their third-consecutive Sevens World Series tournament victory after they were upset 26-19 by Samoa in the final of the Las Vegas leg today.

Coach Jamie Joseph says competition for places should make the Highlanders better, although time is running out to get everyone fit.

Jimmy Cowan enjoyed a rest but is ready for the hard work to begin.

A major new endorsement with Powerade, a million dollar boxing sideline and an increasing love of the 15-man code are the pillars on which Sonny Bill Williams' rugby career currently sit.

Holders England needed Owen Farrell's assured boot and Charlie Hodgson's opportunism to survive a Six Nations fright and beat Italy 19-15 for their second straight win under interim coach Stuart Lancaster.