New Zealand's cricketers are scheduled to arrive home from India this morning, with hardly a pause awaiting them before the start of the domestic first-class and international season. Today we publish the full summer's programme, including the Shell Series, the tours from the West Indies, Australia and England A, plus
women's international and provincial fixtures.
Rugby showpiece
Rugby has been earmarked as the final showpiece of the Manchester Commonwealth Games in 2002. The rugby sevens will be held in the main stadium on the last three days of the 17th games, with the final taking place on the Sunday afternoon just hours before the closing ceremony.
Tip top Timmy
Tim Horan was named Australian rugby player of the year on Wednesday, less than two weeks after being named player of the World Cup which he helped Australia to win. Horan won the award ahead of No 8 Toutai Kefu and his centre partner Daniel Herbert.
Stewart honoured
The PGA Tour has created the Payne Stewart Award for the golfer who best represents the ideals of the two-time US Open champion, who died in a plane crash last month. The award will be presented each year at the Tour Championship, the event Stewart was flying to compete in when he was killed.
Just Chipper
Atlanta Braves' slugging third baseman Chipper Jones was the overwhelming choice as the Most Valuable Player in the National League. Jones was listed first on 29 of the 32 ballots and had 432 points in voting conducted by the Baseball Writers Association of America.
Silva takes count
New Zealand Heavyweight Garth da Silva has been forced out of the Sydney invitation tournament next month. Da Silva cracked his ribs while training in the United States. He is expected to be out of action for six to eight weeks but the injury shouldn't prevent him lodging his Olympic bid at the Oceania championships next May.
