21.   Tonga skipper Mana Otai has walked out on the national rugby union questioning its ability and commitment.

22.   Jean-Claude Skrela will replace Pierre Berbizier as coach of the French national rugby union team.

23.   Meninga confirmed on his arrival home Thursday that he had spoken with organisers of the French Super League proposed by former French national rugby union coach Jacques Fouroux.

24.   Pan Pacific Rugby Series Limited is a Hong Kong registered company owned by the national rugby unions of the eight competing nations.

25.   Pierre Berbizier confirmed his resignation as French national rugby coach on Tuesday.

26.   Pierre Berbizier was expected to resign as French national rugby coach on Tuesday after losing a power struggle with federation president Bernard Lapasset.

27.   Pierre Berbizier, hounded for making France play boring rugby, was replaced by Jean-Claude Skrela as French national rugby coach on Tuesday.

28.   South Africa considers only local-based players for its national rugby teams.

29.   The IRB said joining the IOC would make it easier for national rugby unions in smaller countries to obtain government funding.

30.   The IRFB hopes that by joining the IOC it will be easier for national rugby union associations in smaller countries to attract government funding.