Wellington, July 28 NZPA - A Marlborough rugby referee has quit over what he calls unbearable sideline abuse.

Premier grade referee Grant Sinclair said he had had enough of constant criticism from players and coaches, some of which had become personal.

Auckland, July 28 NZPA - Result from the Trentino Cup basketball match played between Canada and New Zealand in Trento, Italy, today (NZT):-

Canada 90 (Andy Rautins 20, Levon Kendall 15) New Zealand 68 (Kirk Penney 14, Tom Abercrombie 12) Halftime: 38-34

Wellington, July 28 NZPA - Indian Premier League (IPL) side Kolkata Knight Riders have got New Zealand cricket selector John Wright in their sights as coach.

Durban, July 28 NZPA - The All Blacks have always targeted this weekend in Durban as the winnable fixture on their two-test tour of South Africa, according to Springboks coach Peter de Villiers.

Durban, July 27 NZPA - The coaches have been patient and the videotape encouraging as the All Blacks today began the physical preparation for their shot at rugby revenge on the Springboks here this weekend.

The European Tour brought me the sad news of the death of John Panton.

By Daniel Gilhooly of NZPA

Durban, July 27 NZPA - Winger Bryan Habana won't face any disciplinary action for a late return to his hotel room so is clear to play his 50th test for the Springboks when they face the All Blacks in Sunday morning's (NZT) Tri-Nations rugby test.

Sydney, July 27 NZPA - A blazing knock of 60 from Colin de Grandhomme helped New Zealand Emerging Players to their first win of the quadrangular cricket tournament, against India EP in Brisbane today.

Auckland, July 27 NZPA - Former All Black centre Casey Laulala has confirmed his long-anticipated move to the Cardiff Blues at the end of this provincial rugby season.

Auckland, July 27 NZPA - Daniel Carter's rugby rehabilitation programme is poised to advance to the provincial arena this weekend with the All Blacks first five-eighth declaring his availability for Canterbury's team to play North Harbour.