KEY POINTS:
Steven Bates and Roy Kinikinilau have joined the departure queue from the Waikato Air NZ Cup rugby squad.
Loose forward Bates and winger Kinikinilau are both to play their rugby in Japan next year.
They join the already announced departures of loose forward Marty Holah to Wales and halfback Byron Kelleher to France.
Waikato also announced today that utility back William Ripia would transfer to Taranaki for 2008 while loose forward Steven Setephano would head to Otago.
- NZPA
