There are no guarantees the New Zealand Rugby Union will help out the cash-strapped Otago union.

The Otago Rugby Union admits it cannot pay its creditors.

The Otago Rugby Union will cut $400,000 off its player wage bill as it looks to trim costs.

New Zealand Sevens captain DJ Forbes has re-signed with Counties Manukau.

Colin Bourke is heading to Japan.

Wanganui will challenge Taranaki for the Ranfurly Shield in New Plymouth next year.

Taranaki will host its first 2012 Ranfurly Shield challenge against King Country in Inglewood.

Wayne Pivac will once again coach Auckland in New Zealand provincial rugby.

Chris Boyd will coach Wellington in next year’s ITM Cup.

Wellington coach Andre Bell has been forced to re-apply for his job – despite having another year left on his contract.

Discarded All Blacks wing Sitiveni Sivivatu will be hoping to end his New Zealand career on a high when Waikato plays Canterbury in tomorrow’s ITM Cup Premiership final in Hamilton.

Canterbury’s hopes of winning a fourth straight provincial title have been boosted, with Sean Maitland set to return from injury when the side meets Waikato in the ITM Cup Premiership final in Hamilton on Saturday.

A home provincial final could be a godsend for the cash-strapped Waikato Rugby Union.

Luke McAlister is free to join Toulouse, after being granted an early release from his North Harbour and New Zealand Rugby Union contracts.

Former Wallaby midfielder Steve Kefu has already packed a busy career in and his ITM Cup stint with Bay of Plenty may not be the end of it. BY JAMIE TROUGHTON

Samoa and Counties Manukau lock/loose forward Taiasina Tuifua will play for Newcastle next season.

Southland was the only province to exceed the ITM Cup salary cap last year, the New Zealand Rugby Union announced today.

All Blacks prop Tony Woodcock will make his return from injury when North Harbour plays Manawatu tomorrow night in Palmerston North.

All Blacks utility back Isaia Toeava will make his long-awaited return to action when Auckland plays Taranaki in New Plymouth on Sunday.

Southland has named an unchanged starting XV for its Ranfurly Shield defence against Counties Manukauin Invercargill tomorrow.