Hawke's Bay Today reported that Waldrom, 26, would leave for England at the end of his Super 14 season with the Crusaders, meaning he won't play a second season with Hawke's Bay in the national provincial championship. Waldrom played 80 matches for Wellington before shifting to Hawke's Bay last year, while his Super rugby allegiances also switched last year, from the Hurricanes to the Crusaders. A regular bench player at the Hurricanes, the move south brought regular playing time for the burly loose forward, who produced a storming season for the Crusaders.

Hawke's Bay have recently lost two other key players to overseas contracts - fly-half Matt Berquist (Japan) and forward George Naoupu (Ireland). At least two other Crusaders will also depart after this season - hooker Ti'i Paulo (France) and centre Tim Bateman (Japan).

It was announced yesterday that the All Blacks forward will miss Saturday's Super 14 rugby match against the Western Force in Wellington. Hurricanes management would not comment on the breach, describing it as an employment issue. A team statement simply said Eaton was not considered for this Saturday's game, but the newspaper reported today that the stand-down followed a letter sent to the New Zealand Rugby Union complaining about a verbal exchange at a bar.

It was unclear when the breach occured, but Hurricanes coach Colin Cooper said Eaton had to accept the consequences of breaking team protocol.

Pool A: New Zealand, Argentina, Scotland, Tonga
Pool B: Samoa, South Africa, France, Japan
Pool C: Fiji, Kenya, Wales, Papua New Guinea
Pool D: England, Australia, United States, Niue

The Blues also confirmed the departure of backs coach Bill Millard, who will return to Australia at the end of the season. Millard succeeded Rob Howley in the role and helped guide Cardiff to the Anglo-Welsh Cup title and Heineken Cup semi-final in 2009.