Rugby

Today's Six Nations encounter between France and Ireland was called off because of a frozen pitch, 10 minutes after the game had been due to kickoff.

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.

The Chiefs jumped out of the blocks and managed to keep out a fast finishing Highlanders outfit in Queenstown today.

Hoani Macdonald never thought he would be seen again in the Highlanders jersey, but it is one chance he intends to take.

Sonny Bill Williams will miss the Chiefs second pre-season match against the Highlanders in Queenstown tomorrow but will suit up for their final hit-out against the Hurricanes next weekend.

Hosea Gear will get his first outing in a Highlanders jersey tomorrow while a couple of King's High School old boys will patrol the midfield.

The man brought in to help sort through the finances of the Otago Rugby Football Union is to have an extended stay.

Sir Graham Henry has had his role of coaching the coaches confirmed after the World Cup winning coach signed a part-time deal with the New Zealand Rugby Union until the end of 2013.

The injuries are continuing to stack up for the Highlanders with a gaping hole appearing in their midfield.