From Telerate New Zealand:

Former Otago & Wellington flanker Firk Williams is named as the Wallaby
trainer.

Otago loosie Richard Flannery is suspended for 1 game.

From Telerate Australia:
Randwick are 8.5 point favorites over Warringah for the Grand Final clash
tomorrow

From Bloomberg Sports:
John Mitchell, uncapped New Zealand forward, will make his Courage League
debut for Sale at Northampton tomorrow after having his work permit
problems solved.  Mitchell, 32, is the payer-director of rugby at Sale, and
he intends to make selective appearances in the back row.  He will play at
blindside flanker tomorrow.

The English RFU has proposed a final round of summit talks over the next
few days to avert the threatened breakaway by the top 24 clubs.  The EPRUC
breakaway deadline is set for next Friday, although not all the clubs have
agreed to split from the Twickenham umbrella.

The RFU plans to offer a financial agreement for the next 2 years and
beyond and a clear partnership for the organization of the League and Cup
competitions, domestically and in Europe, in terms of finance and fixtures.

--

Liz Goldenberg (gol...@tdbank.ca)

Standard Disclaimer:  the opinions expressed here are solely those of the
author unless otherwise stated.

That's Dirk Williams.  Since Otago & Wellington, it has been Victoria
then Sydney (Eastern Suburbs).  Bob Dwyer was looking at him as Simon
Poidevin's successor as Australia's no.7 until David Wilson emerged.  
Williams is Sydney Swans' trainer (Australian Rules Football - a bit
like Gaelic Football with a rugby instead of a soccer ball).  He filled
in at short notice in S12 for NSW against Wellington or Otago (I forget
which) this year and was man of the match.  He was also club player of
the year in the Sydney competition this year.  Not bad for a 35 year
old.  Some player and some trainer.  Sydney Swans were minor premiers
and grand final runners-up this year against all predictions.  Fitness
had a lot to do with it.

They won 29-6 in an error-ridden game enlivened by 1 magic Campese touch
in a 60m Randwick try where he attracted 4 defenders and sent Australian
under 21 fullback Chris Latham away to send his winger in and by a deft
combination with George Gregan 2 minutes later for a second try.