Sporting Digest: RUGBY UNION

Rotherham have underlined their intentions for a renewed promotion push by signing the Fiji international scrum-half Jacob Rauluni from the Queensland Reds. Rauluni has won 39 Test caps for Fiji since making his debut in 1995. Rotherham were denied promotion to the Zurich Premiership last season despite winning the National League First Division title in record fashion because their facilities were not deemed to be up to scratch.

New Zealand has delayed naming its team for the Tri-Nations match against Australia until today because of injury concerns over the hooker Mark Hammett and lock Norm Maxwell. Maxwell missed the last two Tri-Nations matches due to a hamstring injury while Hammett has a knee injury. Australia will also name their starting side today.

Ebbw Vale have agreed a rescue package with the Welsh Rugby Union which will enable them to stay afloat this season. But their survival has come at a price, with around a dozen club administrative and support staff, including the chief executive, Tony Dilloway, facing redundancy, a handful of players being released from their contracts and Vale's clubhouse facilities closing down. An agreement followed five days of talks between Vale directors and senior WRU officials. The club coach, Mike Ruddock, and his support team will remain, and Vale retain their training base at Aberdare. This season Vale play in the European Shield, Celtic League and Welsh domestic competitions.

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