By Mark Geenty of NZPA

Milan, Nov 13 NZPA - If there is rugby footage of new All Blacks winger Ben Smith floating around in cyberspace, the Italians couldn't find it.

By Mark Geenty of NZPA

Milan, Nov 13 NZPA - As All Blacks hooker Corey Flynn strolled the streets of London a year ago, arm in plaster, he thought of chucking rugby in.

Again, in Canberra in February when he broke his left arm for a fourth time, he contemplated retirement.

Wellington, Nov 13 NZPA - Axing teams from the Air New Zealand Cup will divide rugby fans just when a united front is needed for the World Cup, says the organiser of petition to be presented to the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) today.

Wellington, Nov 13 NZPA - A petition of 35,000 names seeking to stop four unions being axed from the Air New Zealand Cup competition is to be handed to the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) this afternoon.

The International Rugby Board has confirmed that Russia will host the IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy in 2010. The tournament, which is a key element of the IRB's Age Grade strategy for Under 20 players, will take place in the capital Moscow from May 18 to 30.

By Mark Geenty of NZPA

Milan, Nov 12 NZPA - Returning All Blacks rugby flanker Tanerau Latimer still talks about Graham Henry's halftime blast in Christchurch in hushed tones.

Ask for a censored version and there's not much to offer.

By Mark Geenty of NZPA

Milan, Nov 12 NZPA - The Springboks rugby mentality from Nick Mallett and the belief from their performance in Christchurch has Italy's Kiwi winger Kaine Robertson daring to dream they can frighten the All Blacks here on Sunday (NZT).

Wellington, Nov 12 NZPA - New Black Ferns captain Victoria Heighway is confident her team can overcome travel and a short buildup to beat England in their two-test women's rugby series starting on Sunday morning (NZT).

By Mark Geenty of NZPA

Milan, Nov 12 NZPA - A decade ago, a glum Mike Delany was coming to terms with narrowly missing the New Zealand Under-17 World Cup soccer squad.

By Mark Geenty of NZPA

Milan, Nov 12 NZPA - San Siro. Or, Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, if you prefer.

As it looms into view along Via Patroclo, it makes famed rugby grounds like Ellis Park or Millennium Stadium look more like the local town domain.