There will be an extra reason for teams to do well in the first ranking leg of the Asian Rugby Sevens Series in Shanghai this weekend (September 4-5) - that is grabbing the psychological high ground before the upcoming Asian Games in Guangzhou in November.

By Peter Martinez of NZPA

The Sonny Bill Williams roadshow finally gets on the road in the sixth round of the national provincial championship when Canterbury host Bay of Plenty tomorrow night.

Wellington, Aug 19 NZPA - Time is starting to run out for Sonny Bill Williams to prove his All Blacks rugby credentials after injury ruled him out for another Canterbury national provincial championship match.

NZPA special correspondent

By Daniel Gilhooly of NZPA

Christchurch, Aug 7 NZPA - Sonny Bill Williams launched his quest for an All Blacks rugby jersey with a try and an injury in front of a fascinated audience in suburban Christchurch today.

By Daniel Gilhooly of NZPA

Christchurch, Aug 4 NZPA - Sonny Bill Williams officially enters the consciousness of the All Blacks coaches this weekend, the first of numerous recuperating stars hoping to shoehorn a place in the crack New Zealand backline.

NZPA - All Blacks aspirant Sonny Bill Williams has undergone minor knee surgery but is expected to return to full training with his Canterbury rugby team within 2-3 weeks.

New Zealanders use of the private sector for their health woes continues to increase. Figures released today by the not-for-profit Southern Cross Health Society show average annual cost escalation of around 10% for the year ending December 2009 - up from an 8% rise in the previous year.

Rising Warriors rugby league player Elijah Taylor is the latest young athlete to be admitted to the Pinnacle programme.

Wellington, April 16 NZPA - The New Zealand cricket team's injured brigade will have their final fitness tests in Brisbane next week as they look to take a full-strength squad to the Twenty20 World Cup in the Caribbean.