Taupo, New Zealand 3rd September 2009 - "Get on your bike," has a new meaning in the corridors of the Beehive as Members of Parliament start training for the iconic 2009 Wattyl Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge on November 28th.

Nominations are now open for the 2009 Manawatu Standard Limited and Student City Secondary School Sports Awards.

Wellington, Sept 8 NZPA - Wellington team to play Taranaki in an Air NZ Cup rugby match at New Plymouth on Thursday:

All Blacks Coach Graham Henry and his Assistant Coaches Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith have named the All Blacks team to play the Investec Tri Nations Test against South Africa at Waikato Stadium, Hamilton, on Saturday 12 September.

Hamilton, Sept 8 NZPA - Stephen Donald and Ma'a Nonu will form the All Blacks midfield for their Tri-Nations rugby test against South Africa at Waikato Stadium here on Saturday.

Wednesday this week [9 September] marks the start of the two-year countdown for New Zealand's biggest ever sporting event - Rugby World Cup 2011 - and the Bay of Plenty is already well down the track to making it a successful event for the whole region.

ROTORUA GEARING UP

Hamilton, Sept 8 NZPA - All Blacks team named today to play South Africa in a Tri-Nations rugby test at Waikato Stadium here on Saturday:

Canterbury rugby enthusiasts are invited to meet members of the Canterbury Rugby Team, collect autographs and be photographed with the Ranfurly Shield, during a visit by the team to Westfield Riccarton on Thursday of this week (10 September 2009).

Wellington, Sept 8 NZPA - Northland side to play Counties Manukau in an Air NZ Cup rugby match at Whangarei on Thursday:

By Daniel Gilhooly of NZPA

Hamilton, Sept 8 NZPA - The Springboks have heeded the advice of former Australian rugby fullback Chris Latham by avoiding Hamilton for as long as possible -- to escape boredom.