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 to play their rugby in Japan next year.
They join loose forward Marty Holah, who goes to Wales, and halfback Byron Kelleher, who moves to France. Waikato also announced that utility back William Ripia would transfer to Taranaki for 2008 while loose forward Steven Setephano would head to Otago.
