Former Highlanders Mike Delany and Hale T-Pole have joined the Dunedin-based franchise from Japan as injury cover.

Sir Graham Henry is helping under-fire Blues coach Pat Lam deal with external pressure, rather than the coaching side of things.

The Springboks’ most capped first five, Butch James, has announced his retirement from test rugby with immediate effect.

The Force are searching for a new coach after Richard Graham revealed he is jumping ship to the Reds, and Ewen McKenzie could be coaching the Wallabies in 2014.

Hurricanes hooker Dane Coles has re-signed with the side for a further two seasons.

Dan Carter is likely to remain at second five when the Crusaders play the Hurricanes in Wellington this Saturday.

Rassie Erasmus is the new general manager of the South African Rugby Union’s high performance teams.

Speculation in South Africa is rife that Victor Matfield will come out of retirement to captain the Springboks this year.

Hurricanes lock Jason Eaton has re-signed with Taranaki for two more years.

Chiefs fullback Robbie Robinson has been demoted to the reserves for his side’s clash against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein tomorrow morning (NZT).

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer has named a group of players that will be attending the first planning camp in Pretoria next week.

The New Zealand Rugby Union has posted a $9.6 million bottom line profit for the 2011 financial year.

Dan Carter will line-up at second five when the Crusaders take on the unbeaten Stormers in Christchurch this Saturday night.

The new Manu Samoa coach is said to have been named, but there is confusion from the ‘preferred candidate’ who says he has not signed a contract nor has he entered into any real discussion with the Samoan Rugby Union about the job yet.

Highlanders flanker James Haskell hasn’t thought what he’ll do if Wasps are relegated from the Aviva Premiership.

It’s no surprise that four of the five Australian Super Rugby franchises are struggling for form.

Under-performing All Blacks lock Ali Williams has been demoted to the bench for the Blues’ clash against the Sharks in Auckland this Friday night.

Blues captain Keven Mealamu says an out-of-shape Piri Weepu has let the team down.