Rugby

Wests Tigers speedster Kevin Naiqama is set to play his 10th test for the Bati after missing the Melanesian Cup defeat to Papua New Guinea in May.

Manly hooker Apoisai Koroisau and Knights forward Korbin Sims are also poised to pull on the Fiji jersey for the first time in 2016, while Lautoka-born Panthers centre Waqa Blake is in line to make his test debut at Apia Park.

Etuate Qionimacawa, who starred with a hat-trick in the May test against the Kumuls, is absent from the 18-strong squad, with Pio Seci and Saimoni Lomaloma are the only locally based players included.

Tries from Brendon O'Connor, Tom Youngs and Ed Slater helped the Tigers to a commanding victory at Welford Road, Owen Williams adding 17 points with the boot.

Semesa Rokoduguni and Tom Dunn crossed for Bath, but Todd Blackadder's men were ultimately well beaten as the hosts powered clear in the second half.

Leicester move up to fourth in the table, a point behind Bath and five shy of leaders Wasps.

Bristol's difficult start to life back in the top tier continued at the Ricoh Arena, where ruthless Wasps turned on the style and ran in 10 tries to join Bath and champions Saracens on 14 points.

Brilliant Wasps had the bonus point in the bag at half-time, with Tommy Taylor touching down off the back of a driving maul in the first minute as Bristol were swept aside on Sunday.

Elliot Daly, Jake Cooper-Woolley, Matt Symons and Christian Wade also went over in the first half as Wasps opened up a commanding 37-3 advantage at the break.

Racing beat Toulon in a showdown in Barcelona back in June to be crowned champions of France despite having Maxime Machenaud sent off, having also ended their European Champions Cup reign at the quarter-final stage.

The Paris club outdid Toulon again, consigning them to a third defeat of the season thanks in no small part to Imhoff at the end of a week in which France scrum-half Machenaud signed a new contract to run until 2020.

When there is no proper seats, no proper fencing and field boundaries but the people’s love for the footy goes beyond expectation.

Today, hundreds of people surrounded the Sogeri Rugby League field to witness the A grade Grand final match of the Eda Ranu Koiari Rugby League competition.

Surrounding villagers as far as from the inland Kokoda and the Owen stanley range walked to the station to watch and support their local village teams.

Families and relatives including fans cheer, support and danced with pride and enthusiasm around the field.

The All Blacks Sevens were a major disappointment at the recent Rio Olympics - failing to win a medal and being generally lackluster in their play.

Tietjens said he had taken some time to think about his options following the Olympic campaign and felt the time was right for a fresh challenge.

"I love the sevens game and I'm immensely proud of what I've achieved and what all our players have been able to achieve in my time with the team," he said.

RNZ reports Winger Portia Woodman and captain Sarah Goss said the response from fans at an all-girls under-15 sevens tournament in Wellington yesterday was fantastic.

"It's our team's mission to inspire the younger girls. Rugby is an awesome sport and it's a career path now," Woodman said.

Goss said such tournaments were a great way of developing young players.

"If we can inspire girls to pick up rugby and get them playing the game in four years' time hopefully they'll be playing alongside us in Tokyo."

RNZI reports Sanzaar made the decision late last night and around six hours before the Chiefs were to leave for the airport to travel to Cape Town.

Messam joined the Chiefs after the June Internationals as injury cover having concentrated on trying to make the Olympics sevens squad.

Sanzaar ruled that as he was not part of the original squad of 40 players before April 1 and had not played four regular season matches, he could not play in the knock out stage.

Messam made just two appearances and played against the Reds and Highlanders.

There will be a 1-hour session at JAB Oval every day this week from 9am to 10am, to prepare for the competition on Saturday 9th April. Open to all U6, U9, U12 Boys & Girls.

The "HIGHLANDERS" had a great session at JAB Oval yesterday in preparation for the GIR Festival  next Saturday.

The Daily Telegraph reports the National Rugby League club has met with Williams' agent Khoder Nasser in the past week and will attempt to lure the headline grabbing All Black midfielder back to Bondi Junction with a lifetime contract.

Roosters boss Nick Politis wants Williams wearing a tri-colours jersey as soon as this year — and he's prepared to offer him a multi-million-dollar lifetime contract to make it happen.