Australians form own rugby competition

A new eight-team national rugby competition will kick off next year in Australia.

It will run from July to October and be made up of three teams from New South Wales, two from Queensland and one each from the ACT, Victoria and WA.

It is an Australia's attempt to match New Zealand's NPC and South Africa's Currie Cup - a way of bridging the gap between club rugby and the Super 14.

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Meanwhile, Wallabies and Brumbies openside George Smith has upstaged Peter Hewitt and Stirling Mortlock to win the Australian Super 14 player of the year crown.

Smith, who won by a massive seven votes, is understated about his success, saying he is pleased with his form and how he has improved by a player.

Waratahs prop Ben Robinson was named Rookie of the Year while Ewen McKenzie has claimed back-to-back coaching gongs.

- NEWSTALK ZB