Rugby

The Art of Winning, which the former fly-half has been working on over the last two years, comes as Carter deals with transitioning from professional athlete to retiree.

In an interview with Seven Sharp's Hilary Barry, Carter said that he's always had a winning mentality, which has made his new life a significant change.

"Rugby's been such a big part of my life. I've been playing since I was six years old.

"And then to commit to not playing anymore, and trying to figure out what's next."

Jason Tiatia believes such programmes need to be factored into rugby programmes from the grassroots up to international level.

A panellist at the New Zealand Rugby Union head office in Wellington to launch the 'Mind. Set. Engage' mental health programme on May 22, Tiatia told stakeholders this is a critical programme for all Pasifika players and management.

Formerly known as HeadFirst, the renamed Mind. Set. Engage. supports players, coaches, rugby staff, volunteers and whānau to improve their own mental wellbeing and provide tools to help others.

Their second success in their first two years in the competition came after off-field money issues that at one point left them locked out of the restaurant at their Queensland accommodation over an unpaid bill reports Reuters.

"It hasn't been the easiest of years, we've been through so much," Drua captain Bitila Tawake said as she fought back tears, before leading her squad in the singing of the Fijian hymn "We have overcome".

Reuters reports Gatland was due to name his team on Wednesday, but held off with angry Welsh players to meet the Professional Rugby Board (PRB), which runs the game in the country, on Thursday in a bid to end their impasse and ward off a possible strike.

"I think with the uncertainty that was happening, there's a lot of meetings. I just wanted clarity for the boys with tomorrow then we come back (to train) on Friday," Gatland told reporters.

In wet conditions in Sydney, Kodi Nikorima, Esan Marsters and captain Joseph Tapine scored tries for the Maori men.

Tapine was named player of the match for his try coupled with 125 running metres and seven tackle breaks.

He became the third Maori All Stars player in succession to win the Preston Campbell Medal after James Fisher-Harris (2021) and Brandon Smith (2020).

In the women's game, teenager Jaime Chapman scored two tries as the Indigenous All Stars won 18-8 win over the Maori All Stars.

Under the current regulations, once a player has represented one country at international level they cannot turn out for another, unless they utilise an unintended sevens loophole. 

Former Tonga captain Inoke Afeaki said the current rules do not allow Pacific Island nations to field their strongest teams.

"The professional game has made it harder," he said. 

The visitors led 33-7 at half-time and scored 16 tries to two against an understrength US team.

Wing Will Jordan dotted down for a hattrick, while loose forward Luke Jacobsen and prop Angus Ta'avao bagged two tries each.

Prop Ethan de Groot, fullback Damian McKenzie, first-five Richie Mo'unga, second-five Quinn Tupaea, loose forward Dalton Papalii also scored tries as did replacements Anton Lienert-Brown, Beauden Barrett, Dane Coles and TJ Perenara.

The Eagles secured their first-ever try against the All Blacks during the test.

The first course was held at the Manukau Rovers Rugby Football Club in Māngere Auckland last week, with the compulsory injury prevention workshop translated into Samoan and Tongan.  

Central region delivery lead of Auckland Rugby, Tidah Leaupepe, is on a mission to remove any barriers that might be holding back Pasifika people from taking up opportunities both on and off the field. 

"A lot of them don't come to our Rugby Smart [courses] because language is a barrier," she said.

The French Rugby Federation announced on Monday that five more players - including captain Charles Ollivon - had tested positive for Covid-19.

Ten France players are isolating and will be unavailable for Sunday's (Monday morning NZ time) game.

Les Bleus are top of the Six Nations table after beating Italy and Ireland.

Scottish Rugby released a statement saying they could be without 10 players should the game be rearranged for another date.

The competition had been due to start this weekend but with 10 positive tests at Kobe Steelers on Thursday taking the total to 67 league-wide, organisers said they were now aiming for a mid-February start.

Last year's season was cancelled entirely because of the pandemic.

"Japan Rugby Football Union and Top League have had discussions and we want to do everything we can to have this year's Top League season," said JRFU Chairman Kensuke Iwabuchi.