New Zealand Rugby

Pair could be barred from Kiwis World Cup team

The pair have already begun paying a heavy price after they were accused of purchasing and consuming cocaine in Canberra following the Kiwis ANZAC Test loss to Australia on Friday night.

Bromwich has stood down as the Kiwis skipper and also been suspended for Melbourne's next two NRL matches, agreed to donate his $20,000 Kiwis Test match fee to a charity, and stood down from the Storm leadership group.

Melbourne Storm CEO Dave Donaghy said Bromwich had accepted the sanctions.

Dan Carter rules out coaching as he talks retirement

The 35-year-old has another year left on his contract with Paris club Racing 92 and has opened up to French journalists after being cleared of any wrong doing amidst a doping investigation into his team's Top 14 title win last year.

It's been an uncomfortable spell for Carter who was caught drink-driving in Paris and had his form questioned as Racing's results dipped.

He says he's still enjoying his rugby but knows the end is "soon" and he's trying to get his head around what to do next

NZ wary of Fiji threat at Hong Kong

The two old rivals are in the same pool, alongside Wales and Japan.

Waldrom said Wales were a side with speed and a huge work-rate while Japan would gain an insight into the Kiwi camp, having former New Zealand assistant coach and player Damian Karauna at the helm.

However, Waldrom said Fiji could well be the team to beat at the tournament.

"Fiji has just been on fire the last few years," he said.

"They love being in Hong Kong, that's why they are the team that has won the most tournaments in Hong Kong.

Highlanders hooker re-signs

The 27-year-old rake has re-signed with New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and the Highlanders for two more years, joining team mate Ben Smith in re-committing to the Dunedin-based team this year.

The Highlanders confirmed Coltman, who made his test debut during the All Blacks' 68-10 win against Italy in Rome last November, opted to extend his time with the team via social media on Tuesday.

"I absolutely love Dunedin, love the place, can't get enough of it," Coltman said in a video posted by the team.

Campaign launched to tackle mental health in rugby

The campaign features stories from former All Black hooker Keven Mealamu, All Black assistant coach Wayne Smith, Black Ferns Sevens star Ruby Tui, former Chiefs and Junior All Blacks prop James McGougan, the Sunwolves' Liaki Moli and former international referee Chris Pollock, among others.

The website, www.headfirst.co.nz, offers players, parents, coaches, referees, volunteers and supporters a resource to get information about mental fitness, mental health and wellbeing.

NZ Rugby labels Carter and Williams incidents disappointing

Williams, who plays for Paris club Racing 92, was charged by police for allegedly buying cocaine last week and has been suspended by the club.

Read, who played with Williams in the national side, says it's a wake call to all past and present players of the standards expected of them.

"It's a reminder if you've been an All Black there's a brand or standard that needs to be kept," Read said.

"The All Blacks always want to keep standards high, it's important that you respect that.

"But if you make a mistake it's out there. It's disappointing."

Tuipulotu situation causing headaches for Umaga

Tuipulotu found out in November last year that he'd returned a positive drugs test and was sent home from the All Blacks end of year tour in Europe for what was described as "personal reasons" at the time.

In a statement on the weekend, New Zealand Rugby said it had strict confidentiality obligations surrounding the case and wouldn't offer any further comment.

All Blacks to shuffle selections

The world champions will head to the United States to take on Ireland in Chicago on 5 November, before jetting to Europe for Tests against Italy, Ireland again and France.

With Hansen's tried-and-tested first team feeling the effects of a long season for club and country, All Blacks management intend to keep shuffling their decks.

Among the candidates for a prominent role on tour include Blues midfielder Rieko Ioane, who may debut against Italy, Chiefs playmaker Damian McKenzie and lock Patrick Tuipulotu.

NZ Rugby appoints Respect and Responsibility Project Manager

Ms Butterworth would lead a programme to "enhance the skills and knowledge of healthy relationships across all levels of the game", the organisation said.

It recently announced it was setting up an independent review of respect and responsibility in its professional environment.

The announcement followed a number of off-field issues including the Chiefs' Mad Monday controversy and All Black halfback Aaron Smith's tryst in a public toilet.