The week that was

RUGBY NEWS looks back at some of the stories which made headlines in the week that was February 27-March 4.

LIFELINE FOR OTAGO

The debt-riddled Otago Rugby Union delays by one week the filing of an application to liquidate the union after confirming discussions around a possible rescue package have been held

It is announced that the New Zealand Rugby Union, Dunedin City Council, Dunedin Venues Management Ltd, the New Zealand Rugby Players’ Association and potential sponsors have all been working through details of the package.

The ORU was to have ceased trading last Friday after revealing it owes 180 creditors $2.35 million.

RWC COMPO CLAIMS RECEIVE BOOST

New Zealand and Australia’s hopes of receiving better compensation for lost earnings during the Rugby World Cup receive a significant boost with news that John O’Neill will serve as one of five members on the RWC Ltd board.

The Australian Rugby Union boss joins International Rugby Board chairman Bernard Lapasset, vice-chairman Oregan Hoskins, acting chief executive Robert Brophy and David Pickering from Wales on the board and will play a part in the preparations for the 2015 World Cup in England and the 2019 tournament in Japan.

WALLABIES COACHING SHAKE-UP

Robbie Deans is to have a new-look Wallabies coaching team this season, including at least three new assistants.

The latter are likely to be former Brumbies assistant and Edinburgh and Scotland A coach Nick Scrivener, who will work in a skills coaching role, ex-test prop Andrew Blades and Munster coach Tony McGahan.

SBW BACK TO LEAGUE

Former Australian rugby league international Matty Johns says Sonny Bill Williams will be playing for the Sydney Roosters next year.

He says the deal is almost complete, with only details around his boxing career to be sorted out.

STEELERS TO DECLARE SURPLUS

The Counties Manukau Rugby Union announces it will declare a profit of $120,000.

Its chief executive, Andrew Maddock, says a lucrative naming rights sponsor for the union’s stadium and other sponsorship packages will see it over-achieve on commercial revenues for 2012.

BYRNES COPS 10 WEEKS

Melbourne Rebels lock Adam Byrnes is handed a 10-week suspension for eye-gouging Waratahs second five Tom Carter during the sides’ round two Super Rugby match.

CARTER RETURNS TO TRAINING

Dan Carter says he is aiming to return to action when the Crusaders host the Cheetahs on March 24.

The All Blacks first five has recovered from the groin injury that ended his Rugby World Cup campaign and is hopeful of playing in the round five clash, which also doubles as the Crusaders' first match at the new Christchurch stadium.