News in Brief
Flynn fitness boost for All Blacks
Hooker Corey Flynn is set to bolster the All Blacks' ranks for this year's Tri-Nations
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- Hooker Corey Flynn has been given the all-clear to join the All Blacks as they build up for their first Tri-Nations match against South Africa in Auckland on July 10.
A New Zealand Rugby Union statement said Flynn, who has fought his way back from an ankle injury, passed a check-up with All Blacks medical staff in Christchurch.
Flynn, who turned out for New Zealand Maori when they beat England 35-28 last Wednesday, will join Keven Mealamu as one of two hookers in the All Blacks squad.
- Sale Sharks have announced the signing of USA Eagles scrum-half Mike Petri.
Sale Sharks head coach Mike Brewer commented, "As we saw in the recent Churchill Cup, Mike is a good organiser who bosses his forwards. He's a strong player with the ball. This will be his first full-time contract, training in a fully professional environment. He will encounter new daily challenges, and I'm certain they will contribute to a significant improvement in his game."
- Former England coach Brian Ashton has returned to his rugby roots by accepting a coaching consultant role with National League Two North side Fylde RFC.
Ashton played scrum-half for the club between 1966-1973 before moving on to play for Orrell, Montferrand, Roma and Milan. He then switched to coaching and had a brief spell back at Fylde before moving onto Bath, Ireland and then England during which time he set up the England Rugby National Academy.
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