All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has set a timeline for announcing his future

He says he's decided prior to the northern hemisphere tour that he'd make an announcement at its conclusion, but prior to Christmas.



The All Blacks have left Dublin with five less players in the squad.

Sonny Bill Williams, Joe Moody and Liam Squire are heading home due to their respective shoulder, eye and knee injuries.

Sam Whitelock has been sent home early to start his leave.

As was a condition of his release to join the All Blacks, Matt Todd heads back to his Japanese club today.



Former Wales rugby captain Gareth Thomas has spoken out about being the victim of a hate crime after he was assaulted in Cardiff.

Thomas, who came out as gay in 2009, has appeared bruised in a Twitter video, saying he was targeted because of sexuality.

He's thanked the police for their help and allowing him to engage in restorative justice with the perpetrators.



Pakistan are 139 runs from victory with 10 wickets in hand after the third day of the first cricket test against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi.

The Black Caps have been dismissed for 249, leaving Pakistan a target of 176 to win - they are 37 without loss.



England have completed a 57-run victory in the second test against Sri Lanka in Pallekele .

They take a 2-nil lead in the three-match series, their first victory in Sri Lanka since 2001.



A successful weekend for Hayden Paddon at the year's final WRC event in Australia.

The Hyundai driver's won three stages en route to finishing second, 32 seconds behind the victor, Toyota's Jari-Matti Latvala.



More silverware for Francesco Molinari.

Having won his first major and the Ryder Cup this year, the Italian has been named the best European golfer after winning the Race to Dubai title.



The Breakers have suffered their second straight defeat, losing 100-87 away to the Sydney Kings in the Australian national basketball league.



England has fought back to qualify for the semi-finals of football's UEFA Nations League with a 2-1 victory over World Cup finalists Croatia at Wembley.



Ducati's Andrea Dovizioso has taken advantage of a wet track to win the season-ending Valencia MotoGP.