Vainikolo missed Gloucester's defeat to Bath on Friday as he had to return to New Zealand to deal with what the club termed a "serious family problem".

BBC: Vainikolo named in England squad

Jones has skippered former club New Zealand Warriors as well as the Kiwi national team.

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Lawyers first got a piece of the action in the late 1980s when defender Dennis Conner and the San Diego Yacht Club refused to accept a challenge from New Zealand banker Michael Fay.

FORBES: Magazine Article

One of the key issues up for discussion at this week's summit was requests for joining the club from India, Pakistan, Australia and New Zealand, but final decision on expansion has to wait until the year 2000.

BBC: News | ASEM 2

On an All Blacks post-Grand Slam tour to Milan, New Zealand wing Joe Rokocoko backed the idea of Italy forming a super club to play in the Magners League and Heineken Cup.

BBC: Italians may join Magners League

He signed a two-year contract with New Zealand province North Harbour in 2005, and also played for Welsh club Cardiff Blues during the southern hemisphere's off-season.

CNN: Rugby legend Lomu set to make shock comeback

Landon Donovan, named player of the tournament at last year's under-17 world championship in New Zealand, has joined Bayer Leverkusen, a German club.

ECONOMIST: Why there is no soccer in America