Brian Kennedy ready for Sale spending spree

Sale have signed Worcester flanker James Collins and executive director Steve Diamond says there are more new faces on the way. Collins, 25, is the Sharks' ninth new recruit, including Richie Vernon, as the squad is overhauled for next season. Diamond confirmed Sale's Scottish owner, Brian Kennedy, had committed to spending right up to the £4million salary cap - but he insisted there would be no panic buying.

Waldrom wants England berth

LEICESTER'S New Zealand-born No 8 Thomas Waldrom is targeting a place in England's Rugby World Cup squad after discovering his grandmother was born there. The 27-year-old explained: "I remembered reading somewhere that my grandmother was English. I rang up my mum in New Zealand and asked if nana was born in England. She said yes, and that she had the birth certificate to prove it."

McCaw is wary of World Cup threats

NEW Zealand captain Richie McCaw insists history means he will not be underestimating the northern hemisphere challenge at the World Cup. McCaw, who was part of the All Blacks team shocked by France in their 2007 World Cup quarter-final, said: "England certainly showed they know how to win games. If you look at the personnel the French have and even the Welsh, they can all be threats."

Goode gets new deal at Ospreys

OSPREYS second row James Goode has signed a new two-year contract with the Welsh region. Goode, 28, originally arrived at the Ospreys on a short-term trial basis after stints with Cardiff Blues and Manawatu in the Air New Zealand Cup. "I really wanted to stay at the Ospreys and for them to offer me this new, longer deal is great news," said Goode, who has made eight appearances this season.

Sharks lose Lambie for Twickenham

THE Sharks have made just one change to their starting XV for this week's historic Super Rugby encounter against the Crusaders at Twickenham. Patrick Lambie's finger injury means the Durban franchise will be deprived of their star performer of the season thus far with Jacques-Louis Potgieter stepping in. Lambie has been ruled out for three weeks because of the injury, sustained during last week's defeat to the Chiefs.