Rugby Union

The Rugby Football Union has appointed Nick Bunting as its new national referee development officer. Bunting, a 35-year-old sales manager, has worked as a training officer with referees in the East Midlands. He replaces Steve Griffiths. Colin High, the former Test match referee, has taken on a new post as international development officer, managing the development of England's top officials.

Darragh O'Mahony, Moseley's Ireland winger who has been attracting the attention of several First Division clubs, has pledged his future to the Courage League Two side by signing a new two-year contract.

The Scottish Rugby Union will send a 20-strong party of players to New Zealand this summer to gain experience of rugby in the world's strongest country. The Scottish players will be under the general direction of Kevin Greene, the New Zealander who has coached Glasgow and Glasgow Academicals over the last two seasons. The aim is that the players will gain experience, training with and representing the clubs to which they will be attached.