Wellington, Nov 9 NZPA - Hawke's Bay rugby coach Peter Russell has re-signed with the union for a further two seasons.

Cardiff, Nov 8 NZPA - The All Blacks boarded their charter flight to Milan today braced for wholesale changes against Italy, with their captain demanding big improvements from their narrow escape against Wales.

By Mark Geenty of NZPA

Cardiff, Nov 8 NZPA - All Blacks rugby centre Conrad Smith was adamant he scored the disallowed try at Millennium Stadium and called on referees to back themselves and make calls on instinct.

Wellington, Nov 8 NZPA - Ryley Batt was a dominant figure as Australia beat New Zealand 53-45 in the final of the Asia-Oceania wheelchair rugby championship in Christchurch today.

Batt could not be contained as Australia led at each quarter.

By Mark Geenty of NZPA

Cardiff, Nov 8 NZPA - Coach Graham Henry is comfortable about making wholesale changes to face Italy as several more All Blacks go on trial with the goal of picking his strongest rugby side to face France on November 28.

By Mark Geenty of NZPA

Cardiff, Nov 8 NZPA - His captain hailed it the best performance of Brad Thorn's 35-test rugby career, but the veteran lock fears his remarkable 2009 record will come to an end this week.

By Mark Geenty of NZPA

Cardiff, Nov 8 NZPA - Talk about a cool customer. Zac Guildford, still three months short of his 21st birthday, dozed off to sleep just a few hours before the biggest rugby match of his life.

Wellington, Nov 8 NZPA - New Zealand's super rugby franchises are to be sold.

Cardiff, Nov 7 NZPA - The All Blacks withstood a frenzied Welsh fightback to hold on for a 19-12 victory and extend their test rugby winning streak to 21 against the hosts at Millennium Stadium here today.

Wellington, Nov 7 NZPA - New Zealand and Australia will meet in tomorrow's final of the Asia-Oceania wheelchair rugby tourmanent at Christchurch.