It’s yet another case of Groundhog Day for NZ Sevens coach Gordon Tietjens as he starts a new campaign without all of the best talent he helped unveil in the last Sevens World Series. BY DAVE CAMPBELL

Two New Zealand Rugby Union coaches will aid in the development of the sport in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory during a week-long visit in October.

Four years ago Melbourne Rebels lock Cadeyrn Neville had never picked up a rugby ball. Now he is on the verge of selection for the Wallabies. BY JOHN DAVIDSON

Thames Valley is this weekend preparing to toast one of the finest victories in the 90-year history of this small union. BY CAMPBELL BURNES

A forgotten piece of rugby history was today recalled across the other side of the world. BY GORDON FLORENCE

Warren Gatland has officially been confirmed as coach of the British Lions squad for its tour of Australia next year.

Kurtley Beale will return at fullback and wing Dom Shipperley will make his test debut when the Wallabies tackle the Springboks in Perth on Saturday night.

The New Zealand Maori will undertake a three-match tour of England in November, with Jamie Joseph to once again coach the side.

All Blacks flanker Adam Thomson says he is weighing up a move offshore.

Burnout is not just about a professional rugby player feeling fatigued after 35 games in a season. It also affects the mental side of players and is no straightforward condition. BY DR NICOLA DAVIES

Former Wallabies lock Dan Vickerman has announced his retirement from all rugby due to a persistent leg injury.

The Air New Zealand Golden Oldies World Rugby Festival will make its South American debut in 2014, with Argentina set to host the tournament for the first time.

The Australian Rugby Union Players’ Association has voted unanimously to expand its membership to include women’s national sevens and 15s players.

Former Highlanders and Crusaders five-eighths Daniel Bowden says he may pledge his international allegiance to England when he qualifies on residency grounds at the end of the 2012-13 season.

The All Blacks will have a hitout against Counties Manukau and Auckland in Pukekohe on Friday night.

All Blacks Ma’a Nonu and Julian Savea will play club rugby in Wellington tomorrow, but it is not yet known if Piri Weepu or Victor Vito will do the same.

The New Zealand Rugby Union will welcome back departing poster boy Sonny Bill Williams “in a heartbeat”, but the national body is not expecting to experience any significant financial fallout from the loss of one of its most marketable players.

The vocations aren’t necessarily all that odd, and neither are (or were) the players, for that matter, but these All Blacks all had ‘real’ jobs that set them apart from the rest of the pack. BY DAVE CAMPBELL