Latest - The failure to achieve on field success is the most frustrating thing for out-going Blues chief executive Michael Redman.
Outgoing Blues chief executive Michael Redman. Photo: Photosport
Redman is stepping down after six years in the role having recently lured All Black first five Beauden Barrett to the Auckland based franchise from the Hurricanes.
He will finish up in September following the completion of the season review.
The Blues have failed to make the Super Rugby playoffs for the past eight years which Redman says has been deeply frustrating.
Boks climb to fourth in world rankings
The Springboks have climbed up to fourth in the latest world rugby rankings following their 16-all draw with the All Blacks in Wellington at the weekend.
The Springboks celebrate their draw against the All Blacks. Photo: Photosport
The South Africans jump five spots, while England drop three spots to fifth.
New Zealand remain top of the standings from Wales and Ireland.
There is no other change in the top ten.
Tonga's 25-17 defeat to Samoa in monsoon-like conditions in Apia cost them 1.13 points and, as a result, they drop down to 14th place with Italy the side to benefit.
Samoa remain in 16th place behind the USA who did not get any reward for their 47-19 home win over Canada, also in the Pacific Nations Cup.
NRL refs not losing confidence
The NRL is adamant confidence levels in the refereeing ranks hasn't been dented despite a torrent of criticism and four officials being dropped.
Criticism of refereeing performances isn;t affecting officials confidence says NRL. Photo: Photosport
NRL head of football Graham Annesley has announced that referees Chris Sutton and Chris Buttler and touch judges Clayton Sharpe and Adam Cassidy had been axed to reserve grade after a string of mistakes in Parramatta's controversial win over the Warriors.
The whistleblowers have once again found themselves the centre of unwanted attention in 2019, with the match review committee also being accused of inconsistencies after Jake Trbojevic escaped suspension for a lifting tackle which has been compared to the one which cost Nick Cotric three weeks.
Warriors CEO Cameron George quipped on radio on the weekend that fans should turn up to Mt Smart Stadium this weekend dressed as referees as a form of protest while several coaches have complained about inconsistencies or confusion over interpretations.
Tigers legend Farah to retire
Wests and former NSW hookre Robbie Farah has called time on his 17-year NRL career with the 2019 campaign to be his last.
The 35-year-old Farah scored a try in his 300th NRL game last Saturday with all but 26 of those matches with the joint venture club.
Farah had a two-season stint at South Sydney (2017-18) after falling out with then Tigers coach Jason Taylor.
The veteran hooker won a premiership with the Tigers in 2005 and played 16 State of Origin games for NSW, while also representing Australia in eight Tests.
-AAP
Evra calls time on playing days
Patrice Evra Photo: Photosport
Former Manchester United and France defender Patrice Evra has retired from playing football at the age of 38.
The left-back was with Manchester United from 2006 to 2014, winning one Champions League title, the Premier League five times and the League Cup on three occasions.
Evra, who made 81 appearances for France, joined United in January 2006 from Monaco.
After his trophy-laden 12-year spell with the Red Devils, he joined Juventus and helped them win the Serie A and Coppa Italia double in both 2014-15 and 2015-16.
He now wants to move into coaching.
Wallabies needs to trust themselves - John Eales
Australia must build on the confidence gained from their scrappy 16-10 win over Argentina on Saturday if they are to make an impact at the Rugby World Cup, former captain John Eales has said.
The Wallabies clinched the much-needed victory in Brisbane to secure a fourth victory in their last 14 tests but with back-to-back fixtures against world champions New Zealand coming up, Michael Cheika's side need to improve quickly.
Eales, a two-time world champion with Australia in 1991 and 1999, believes the current squad need to trust in their abilities if they are to be successful when the World Cup begins in Japan on 20 September.
