New Zealand Rugby |
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| Risk to TV deal news to NZRU
The New Zealand Rugby Union and News Ltd have traded blows again, with suggestions the NZRU has put at risk hopes of renegotiating a lucrative five-year broadcasting deal that ends in 2011. News Ltd corporate affairs spokesman Greg Baxter said yesterday there was "not much doubt" the NZRU's handling of its decision to keep 22 leading All Blacks out of the first half of next year's Super 14 would rear its ugly head when the $660 million deal is renegotiated. "It's a real risk. We're still some way off talking about the renewal of the rights but there is no doubt that this kind of thing will contaminate that process," Baxter said. "The broadcasters and ourselves will take a dim view of the Rugby Union's commitment to honouring a contract." NZRU chairman Jock Hobbs hit back last nightfrom Ireland, where he is on IRB business, questioning the accuracy and credibility of Baxter's comments.
Wellington - Former All Black Jono Gibbes has ended speculation about a possible move to Britain by signing up with New Zealand rugby for another three years. Reports had linked the Waikato Chiefs flanker and lock with Welsh club Ospreys - which signed former All Black scrumhalf Justin Marshall this season - but the 29-year-old has opted for his home country. "There has been much speculation about Jono's future and we are delighted that he has decided to continue playing his rugby in New Zealand," said New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) deputy chief executive Steve Tew. Gibbes has played eight Tests for the All Blacks since making his debut against England in 2004. He also played against the British and Irish Lions last year in one Test and led New Zealand Maori to victory against the touring side.
Monday Night League Finale Only On Maori TV Maori Television caps off a spectacular season of local rugby league with live and exclusive free-to-air coverage of the Bartercard Cup grand final on MONDAY NIGHT LEAGUE (Monday September 18 at 8.00 PM). The two top teams in the New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) national premiership - Brian McClennan's Auckland Lions and the Canterbury Bulls coached by Phil Prescott - will battle it out for first place honours at Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland. As well as live commentary from Maori Television presenters Tawera Nikau, Ritchie Barnett, Dale Husband and Te Arahi Maipi, the sporting extravaganza will feature massive pre-match and half-time entertainment. Gates open at 5pm and admission is free. After the curtain-raiser between the Warriors Development squad and the Bartercard Cup All Stars invitational side, musician Che Fu will perform the theme tune for MONDAY NIGHT LEAGUE as well as his rendition of the national anthem before a fireworks display marks the grand final kick-off.
Call goes out to Waikato rookies Waikato will go into their biggest rugby game of the season so far on Saturday night with a rookie at first five-eighths and possibly another alongside him at halfback. The one-match suspension of first five Stephen Donald by the New Zealand Rugby Union judicial committee in Wellington yesterday ruled him out of the top-of-the-table clash with Auckland at Eden Park. Waikato coach Warren Gatland today confirmed Willie Ripia, who turned 21 last month, will start in the pivot position against Auckland in Donald's place with the experienced David Hill remaining at second five-eighths from where he will again be the goal-kicker. There is still a chance halfback Brendon Leonard, also 21 and a starter in all six Air New Zealand Cup games to date, will not be fit enough to play.
Waikato's Donald suspended for one week Stephen Donald has been suspended from the Air New Zealand Cup rugby competition for one week. The Waikato first five-eighth will miss his team's match against Auckland on Saturday following the imposition of the ban by a New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) judicial committee. Donald appeared before the committee in Wellington yesterday after being cited for a dangerous tackle during his team's game against Northland last Saturday. He was sent from the field early in the second half by referee Keith Brown for a dangerous tackle after being sinbinned for a similar offence in the first half. Under NZRU rules for disciplinary hearings, any player who receives a red card faces an automatic judicial hearing. The committee comprised chairman Bruce Squire, QC, Mattie Blackburn and Brian Coomber.
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