All Blacks

One of the side's players, Luke Arscott, had tactical information about the Sale Sharks' defence revealed to him by his brother Tom, a winger for the Sharks, the night before the two teams faced each other in January. Sale lost 24-23.

Tom Arscott's contract was terminated on January 20 after disciplinary action and Sale triggered an investigation by the Rugby Football Union.

Luatua's move to Bristol in the British summer for next season was announced on Tuesday.

Gibbes, the former Waikato loose forward-lock who played eight tests for New Zealand in 2004 and 2005, has been forwards coach at French giants Clermont.

Gibbes, 40, is no stranger to the wider Irish scene, being forwards coach at Leinster for six years, helping them to three Heineken Cup titles and working alongside fellow Kiwi and current Ireland coach Joe Schmidt as well as Wallabies coach Michael Cheika.

He moved to France in 2014 but now returns for the prime role in Belfast.

Tuipulotu had been been provisionally suspended after returning a positive drugs test last year and returned home early from the All Blacks' end of year tour.

A statement from New Zealand Rugby says they have now received the results of Tuipolotu's B sample, which showed no banned substance was present.

Tuipulotu's suspension has been lifted immediately and he was free to play for the Blues in the Super Rugby competition which starts later this month.

Tuipulotu said the process had been stressful and is relieved it was over.

Police have charged a man over a listening device, described as similar to that used by law enforcement and spy agencies, which was found inside a chair during a routine security search of the team's meeting room at the Intercontinental Hotel at Double Bay.

The 51-year-old man accused of planting the device is understood to be a security consultant for a company contracted by the All Blacks.

He has been charged with public mischief.

The 30-year-old Highlanders player had several overseas offers, but re-signing with New Zealand Rugby meant he would be available for the 2019 World Cup in Tokyo.

As part of his contract, Smith also an option of an extended breaks from the game and also had an early termination clause after the World Cup.

"It's been an interesting few months as we have worked through what was best for my family and career over the next few years. In the end we are happy with our decision to stay in New Zealand," Smith said.

RNZ reports England will face South Africa in the final after Australia were well beaten by the Blitzboks 26-12 in the second semi-final.

The All Blacks Sevens and England played out a low scoring match marked by ruthless defence, as two teams that rely on power over pace struggled to break a second half deadlock.

Regan Ware scored the opening try and was then denied a second after a lob pass from Tim Mikkelson was ruled forward.

Phil Burgess answered with a try for England giving them parity 5-5 at half-time.

The 26-year-old said it had been an easy decision to stay with his club and country, as he contemplated the next phase of his rugby career.

"Being part of the Hurricanes for the past three years has been an awesome experience and though I wasn't able to play a big part on the field last year, winning the Super Rugby trophy for the first time only reinforced my view that the club is building something special.

"My partner and I really enjoy living in Wellington and with the British and Irish Lions on the horizon, 2017 shapes as a huge year."

RNZ reports the 28-year-old, who has 47 caps for New Zealand, this morning confirmed he's signed a three-year deal.

Cruden said, "It's with great sadness that this will be my last year playing rugby here in New Zealand, representing Manawatu, the Chiefs and also the All Blacks.

Now there is a very real possibility two of those three high-profile stars will leave these shores by the end of this year.

It is enough to make the All Blacks coach sit up in his summer deckchair. Should that scenario eventuate, it would again create cause for concern around the vulnerability of elite New Zealand players.

Where previously NZ Rugby have been "quietly confident" of keeping the likes of All Blacks captain Kieran Read, Owen Franks and Beauden Barrett, when it comes to Smith indications are his decision remains very much "in the balance".

RNZ reports the union has tabled its final deals for Ben Smith, Israel Dagg and Aaron Cruden, and says it will give them the time they need to make a decision.

The trio's contracts end after the British and Irish Lions tour in June and all three have received lucrative offers to join French clubs.

While conceding New Zealand Rugby would never be able to match the big money bids from overseas, NZR chief executive Steve Tew said they had done all they could to retain the services of the three key backs.