Christchurch, June 27 NZPA - The All Blacks lead Italy 13-3 at halftime in a rugby test here tonight.

By Daniel Gilhooly of NZPA

Christchurch, June 27 NZPA - As long as he can sidestep the nerves, Luke McAlister is poised to ignite an All Blacks backline that has spluttered ahead of tonight's rugby test against Italy.

Auckland, June 26 NZPA - Former renegade Shane Bond has officially been welcomed back into the fold following the premier fast bowler's inclusion in New Zealand Cricket's (NZC) list of 20 contracted players for the 2009-10 season.

AUCKLAND - All eight existing national league franchises will suit up for the sixth season of the New Zealand Football Championship but the entry of a Phoenix youth/reserve team will have to wait.

NZPA correspondent

Sydney, June 26 NZPA - Australia's cricketers have been sent the message loud and clear by their fans ahead of the Ashes series in England.

Don't sledge, swear or cheat. And, above all, don't spit.

Auckland, June 26 NZPA - Former renegade Shane Bond has officially been welcomed back into the fold following the premier fast bowler's inclusion in New Zealand Cricket's (NZC) list of 20 contracted players for the 2009-10 season.

By Daniel Gilhooly of NZPA

Christchurch, June 26 NZPA - Italy represent the easiest test rugby opponents for the All Blacks on this year's calendar but relaxation has been in short supply in Christchurch this week.

Auckland, June 26 NZPA - New Zealand Cricket's list of 20 contracted players for the year ending July 31, 2010 (*denotes new player):-

Auckland, June 26 NZPA - Cash-strapped Counties-Manukau's membership drive to help maintain their presence in provincial rugby's top echelon has made a slow but steady start.

By Daniel Gilhooly of NZPA

Christchurch, June 26 NZPA - Not many 26-year-olds pine for the elixir of youth but All Blacks rugby winger Joe Rokocoko is the exception here this week.