It ends speculation McAlister may have ended up at the Hurricanes, who made strong overtures, after the former international announced his decision to return home from England, where he has played since 2007. The Sunday Star-Times newspaper today reported that McAlister has already signed with his former union North Harbour, meaning the Blues will get first call on his services.

McAlister is due back in New Zealand at the end of the English domestic season next month. The New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) last week relaxed its eligibility criteria to enable McAlister to be available for selection for the Tri-Nations series against South Africa and Australia, starting in July. He will only play in the earlier home series against France and Italy in June if current contenders were ruled out by injury.

Two tries from Sereli Bobo and another from Nic Berry secured a 33-12 victory over Bordeaux-Begles that guaranteed Pierre Berbizier's side the French second division title.

Cipriani, who could be involved in England's summer series against Argentina, was withdrawn at half-time but Edwards insisted the problem was minor. "It's not that serious. He's just rolled his ankle a little bit after someone fell on it," he said.

Cipriani turned the same ankle that required surgery following a fractured dislocation sustained at the end of last season. The 21-year-old is due to have a pin removed from his right ankle and Wasps director of rugby Ian McGeechan insisted the decision would be made with the player's best interests at heart.

"We'll do purely what is the best for Danny and that will be done in conjunction with the club, not just England" he said. "It's got to be a medical decision over the timing of it."

Chile thrashed Brazil 79-3 in their qualifier clash on Saturday while Uruguay beat Paraguay 85-7 in a game that will not count towards their bid for a place at RWC'11.

Lauaki was cited for a high tackle on Bryan Habana in the first half of the match, which resulted in Lauaki being yellow carded by match referee Craig Joubert. The hearing will take place in Cape Town on Monday.

The 49-year-old former England international appeared as a second half replacement in his side's National League One clash with Leeds but was carried from the field on a stretcher just six minutes later after a collision with opponent Mike MacDonald. He has since been released from hospital.

The Dallas Harlequins have kept their season alive with a 28-7 win over Boston in Dallas. Boston now must win against the currently undefeated Life University and hope other results go their way if they are to feature in this season's finals. Life University have clinched the top seed in the Blue Conference with a round to play after they remained unbeaten with a 41-0 hammering of Charlotte.

San Francisco Golden Gate had too much firepower for Old Puget Sound Beach, running in 11 tries in a 73-25 victory that gave them outright first position in the Red Conference. Belmont Shore snatched a 17-16 victory over Denver to retain second place in the Red Conference, meaning a home final can be ensured with a victory in the final round.

The Santa Monica Dolphins have fallen just short of an upset victory going down in injury time 29-25 to the Chicago Lions in Chicago, a result which clinches a play off berth for the Lions.