"It was disappointing the way things turned out with Gloucester but I am a Leeds Carnegie player now and looking forward to helping them establish themselves in the Guinness Premiership," Rabeni said.

Leeds director of rugby Andy Key does not believe that Rabeni represents a risky signing, revealing that he expects the Pacific Islander to be available for selection before the end of the month.

"He (Seru) is someone Neil (Back) and I know well from our time at Leicester and has proven quality at the highest level. The move has come about very quickly after a conversation between our captain, Marco Wentzel, and Seru when he was asking him what his options were for the new season," he explained.

"Seru was keen to remain in the Guinness Premiership and thankfully we have been able to agree a deal. He has trained with the players for the first time today (Friday) but will probably take a fortnight to get up to speed with our systems however he will hopefully be ready to make his debut by the end of September."

While always unlikely to move overseas at just 19, O'Connor had been the subject of much interest from within his homeland, with the Brumbies, Waratahs and Reds all rumoured to have spoken to the teenager.

As a result, O'Connor is delighted that he has finally been able to put an end to all of the speculation by agreeing a contract extension with the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) and the Force up until the end of 2011.

"The last couple of seasons have passed like a whirlwind and being part of the Wallabies, there's no place I'd rather be at the moment," O'Connor said. "I've learned so much, particularly from guys who only a couple of years ago I was looking up to, wanting to one day be where they were. It is, to use the old cliche, a dream come true."

Understandably, Wallabies boss Robbie Deans is thrilled that O'Connor has committed himself to Australian Rugby for at least another two seasons.

"James is certainly a talent and will continue to improve in the years ahead," the New Zealander said. "For such a young player he has already come a significantly long way. However, he knows the journey has only just begun."

The pair have already held talks with Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder and Dagg admitted that he is hopeful that his proposed switch will go through as he believes it will significantly boost his chances of breaking into the New Zealand set-up.

"A big key is their winning environment. When your team is successful you are exposed more," the 21-year-old said of the Crusaders.

Meanwhile, Hawke's Bay coach Peter Russell, who is also involved with the Highlanders, said that the pair have had their heads turned by the interest from the Crusaders and that their form in this year's Air New Zealand Cup has suffered as a consequence.

"Zac and Issy have been up and down. They are young guys and their progress has been hindered by the media hype around their proposed move. We are trying to keep their feet on the ground," he told The Dominion Post.

"It is a massive honour for me to be asked by the IRB Council to join the IRB Rugby Committee," White said. "Rugby is a sport that is constantly evolving on and off the field and with that come challenges. As a coach in domesticand international rugby I have experienced the evolution first hand. I am now looking forward to using my experience to give something back to the game through the IRB Rugby Committee.

"The Rugby Committee plays a central role in ensuring that the sport continues to thrive and grow in the safest possible environment using thebest possible techniques for playing, coaching, officiating andadministering the game. I am excited about the prospect of being involvedin that process."

In a further blow for the Dragons, Lewis Evans will be out of action for a fortnight after taking a knock to his ankle whilst lining out for Newport in their Welsh Premiership clash with Carmarthen Quins last weekend.

Kirsten has been struggling with a persistent neck problem in recent weeks and, after undergoing a scan on Thursday, he has been advised to take the weekend off. As a consequence, Rossouw de Klerk will fill Kirsten's seat on the Bulls bench for the game in Cape Town.