New Zealand

The dispute between Australia and New Zealand over the co-hosting of the 2003 Rugby World Cup has led to the former nation withdrawing its offer to share the staging of the competition.

Providing seating for up to 600 international media was a major sticking point in New Zealand's dispute over hosting arrangements for the 2003 Rugby World Cup (RWC), an International Rugby Board (IRB) official said yesterday.

The New Zealand Rugby Football Union (NZRFU) has delayed its decision on whether or not to co-host next year's World Cup with Australia.

When the Super 12 rugby union competition kicks off this weekend, tensions on the pitch between the southern hemisphere teams will be nothing in comparison to continued tensions off it as Australia, South Africa and New Zealand continue to argue over possible expansion.

Francis Baron, chief executive of the English Rugby Football Union (RFU), has said that a complete overhaul of the international tours schedule is imminent.

O'Neill moving media, the European distributor of revolving perimeter advertising boards, has signed an exclusive agreement with Italtelo to distribute the Italian manufacturer's LED systems worldwide.

UK public broadcaster the BBC is launching dedicated sports websites to complement its portfolio of TV rights including its major football, rugby, tennis and cricket tournaments.

UK public broadcaster the BBC is launching dedicated sports web sites to complement its portfolio of TV rights including its major football, rugby, tennis and cricket tournaments.

New Zealand Golf Open director David Pool has assured creditors they will be paid despite the tournament losing hundreds of thousands of New Zealand dollars.

Ferrari has unveiled a new sponsorship deal with mobile phone giant Vodafone for an estimated £45million ($65m/EUR73m) according to newspaper reports.

New Zealand police said they had beefed up security for a golf tournament featuring Tiger Woods this week after a letter containing cyanide was sent to the US embassy threatening to disrupt the event.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials have attempted to persuade their West Indies counterparts to reverse a decision to pull out of next month's scheduled tour, PCB sources said yesterday.

The West Indies have pulled out of next month's scheduled tour of Pakistan but are prepared to play the series at a neutral venue, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has said.

The 2002 Pacific Rim rugby tournament has been scrapped to make way for regional qualifiers for the 2003 World Cup, Japanese officials of the game have confirmed.

Cash-strapped Stadium Australia has confirmed that the redevelopment of the stadium will not be completed in time for the debut match of Australian Football League team Sydney Swans due to take place on February 17 next year.

The draw for the 2003 Rugby World Cup, due to be held in Australia and New Zealand, has been put back three months.