O'Neill said the deal to play a fourth Bledisloe Cup test in Japan was "done and dusted" and the Australian and New Zealand unions were both content with the financial arrangements. He said it would be a "similar outcome" financially to last year's test in Hong Kong, from which the New Zealand Rugby Union reportedly banked about $4 million.

"We're very happy with the negotiations, and the Japanese Rugby Union (JRU) is about to issue the invitation," O'Neill said. "It'll be a great occasion and I think the JRU see this as another message that they're a serious player in world rugby."

O'Neill said the Test would be played at Tokyo's Olympic Stadium, which has an official capacity of 57,000. The Test will begin the All Blacks' five-week end-of-year tour. Matches already confirmed are against Italy in Milan on November 14, England at Twickenham on November 21, France in Marseille on November 28 and the Barbarians at Twickenham on December 5. Negotiations are continuing with the Welsh Rugby Union for a test in Cardiff on November 7.

O'Neill also confirmed the Wallabies were on the verge of confirming their own Grand Slam tour this year, for the first time since their successful 1984 trip. The All Blacks won last year's Hong Kong test 19-14 to win the series 3-1, having already sealed the Bledisloe Cup in Brisbane.

The Fijian, who can operate at centre and wing, has signed a three-year contract at Kingsholm Road. "Seru's signing is great news for us, particularly at this point in the season," said Gloucester head coach Dean Ryan.

Rabeni represented Fiji in the 2003 and 2007 Rugby World Cups and has also played Super 14 rugby with the Highlanders. "I am delighted to be joining Gloucester although it was a very tough decision to make, after five years at Welford Road," he said.

"It is now time for me to move onto another challenge, and hopefully help Gloucester to lift some silverware, continue the good work and progress the team has so far achieved under Dean Ryan and Bryan Redpath."

The 41-year-old will join the London club from the start of next season to form an exciting and youthful coaching set-up working under Director of Rugby Brendan Venter. McCall will join a full time coaching team that also includes Alex Sanderson and Paul Gustard and, from next season, Andy Farrell. Cobus Visagie will also be utilised as a scrum consultant along with kicking specialist Dave Alred.

"I'm really excited about joining a club like Saracens and I can't wait to start work," enthused McCall who has spent the past two seasons as assistant coach with Castres in the Top 14, in France. "Brendan is a strong character who knows exactly what he wants, and that is to be challenging for the Premiership title next season.

One player from each decade since the Second World War has accepted the invitation to serve as a Statesman, making formal and informal appearances on behalf of the ARU during the coming season.

The Statesmen are: 1940's - Arthur Buchan (No.8, 10 Tests, 1946-1949); 1950's - John Thornett (Flanker/lock/prop, 37 Tests, 1955-1967); 1960's - Jim Lenehan (Fullback/centre, 24 Tests, 1958-1967); 1970's - John Hipwell (Halfback, 36 Tests, 1968-1982); 1980's - Mark Ella (Five-eighth, 25 Tests, 1980-1984); 1990's - Tim Horan (Centre, 80 Tests, 1989-2000); 2000's - Matthew Burke (Fullback/centre, 76 Tests, 1993-2004)

James limped out of Bath's vital 15-14 victory at Newcastle that kept them firmly in the play-off picture. And the South African fly-half faces a scan on his knee that could decide whether or not he plays any part in next Saturday's home game against Saracens.

A five-point maximum for Bath at the Recreation Ground could be enough to secure a home semi-final next month, although Saracens are still chasing seventh place and possible Heineken Cup qualification..

There was a double injury blow for Wasps, who lost England internationals Tom Rees (shoulder) and Paul Sackey (leg).

Chiefs coach Ian Foster said Leonard injured his sternoclavicular joint just before halftime in the 28-10 win over the bottom-placed Cheetahs at Kimberley. Foster said the injury was a difficult one for which to predict a recovery time, and Leonard could be out for between two to six weeks.

He is staying with the Chiefs camp in South Africa and will be further assessed and observed this week.

It will be the firs time that the home of Munster Rugby has been used for Irish club rugby's end of season showpiece. The match will see the winners of this Saturday's semi-finals between Cork Constitution and Clontarf and Shannon versus Garryowen battle it out for club rugby's ultimate prize.

Prop James McGougan was cited for alleged trampling while centre Richard Kahui was cited for a dangerous tackle on Frans Viljoen. McGougan pleaded guilty to the trampling, which was penalised at the time by referee Nathan Pearce. Sanzar judicial officer Jannie Lubbe issued a reprimand and decided to take no further action.