Geordan Murphy has been passed fit to lead Leicester Tigers in Friday's Guinness Premiership opener against Sale Sharks at Edgeley Park but Aaron Mauger will miss out.
Murphy had been a doubt for the game as he only underwent surgery on a hernia last month but the Ireland full-back has made a quicker than expected recovery and has been given the green light to start.
"Geordan will captain the side and that is a massive boost for us," Tigers boss Richard Cockerill told the Leicester Mercury. "He has been on fire (in training) this week. He is fresh and keen to play."
However, Murphy will not be joined in the starting line-up by former All Black centre Mauger, whose long-standing back problem has flared up once again.
All Black coach Graham Henry has retained a trio of players as cover for the remainder of the Tri-Nations campaign. Flanker Adam Thomson, his Otago teammate and flanker Tom Donnelly and Canterbury utility back Colin Slade joined yesterday's training camp in Christchurch.
They will stay with the All Blacks squad for the final two home test matches as cover for injuries and to provide additional selection options.
Thomson will provide injury cover in the loose forwards, with Kieran Read recovering from a knock to his knee, while Donnelly will do the same at lock for the injured Bryn Evans. Slade, a Junior All Black for this year's Pacific championship, will provide cover in the backs because of injuries to Conrad Smith (hamstring), Luke McAlister (cheekbone) and Tamati Ellison (calf).
Former Wales international Andy Williams will line out for Moseley RFC as he continues his search for a new professional club.
The 28-year-old scrum-half, who was capped five times by his country, joined Cardiff RFC for the tail end of last season after being released by the Dragons in January. However, he has now moved on Moseley, who will allow Williams to leave the club if he is offered a contract offer from a top-level outfit.
"I would like to thank Moseley for giving me the chance," Williams told BBC Sport. "(The opportunity) to play in the Championship and for affording me the flexibility to move on should an opportunity arise at a higher level."
Michael Reid has announced that he will be stepping down as Ulster Rugby's chief executive after 12 years in the role. However, Reid has offered to continue in the position until a replacement is found.
"I am greatly fulfilled by the career I have had at the helm of the Ulster Branch but feel the time is now right for me to step down and pursue other interests," he said.
PJ Vermuelen, George Earl and Zandre Jordaan have all joined Boland Cavaliers on loan from Western Province. The trio have gone straight into the Cavaliers starting line-up for Friday's Currie Cup clash with the Sharks.
The struggling Cavaliers were also set to take Hilton Lobberts on loan from Province but the flanker has had to return to Cape Town as the table toppers are short on options up front.
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1. Max Verstappen ()
