British rower SOPHIE HOSKING is "retiring from international rowing at the relatively young age of 27." Hosking will "begin a training contract with Freshfields to become a lawyer." Hosking: "I don't feel I have the levels of motivation to want to do it all again. I feel very complete, this is very much on my terms, there's no pang of regret" (TELEGRAPH, 6/18). ... Outgoing UAE Rugby Performance Manager DUNCAN HALL said that "he is sad to be walking out on a job half done having ended his association with UAE rugby after 18 months" (THE NATIONAL, 6/18). ... Former F1 commentator MURRAY WALKER "has been diagnosed with a form of lymphatic system cancer." The 89-year-old told the BBC that "the condition was treatable" (INDEPENDENT, 6/18). ... Former India int'l and current coach of the national cycling team RUMA CHATTERJEE "was killed in a road accident in New Delhi on Tuesday" (IANS, 6/18).
IN AUSTRALIA: National Rugby League Canberra player BLAKE FERGUSON is "expected to avoid being sacked at Canberra over an indecent assault charge," but only if he agrees to strict alcohol conditions. A senior source at the Raiders said that Ferguson "would not be given his marching orders but a proposal would be put forward by the board regarding his future that would have to be agreed to first by senior players, coaches and the NRL" (THE AUSTRALIAN, 6/19). ... NRL South Sydney player GEORGE BURGESS "has been stood down" by his ladder-leading club after being "charged with two counts of willful damage following an incident in Cairns early on Monday." South Sydney said in a statement that Burgess "had admitted guilt and was cooperating with police over the incident" (AAP, 6/17). ... Australia Football League Hawthorn captain LUKE HODGE "has succeeded in having a rough conduct charge overturned at the AFL Tribunal, freeing him to play in Friday night's clash with West Coast" (AAP, 6/18). ... Horse trainer ROBERT SMERDON has lost his Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal appeal against a A$10,000 ($9,500) penalty incurred for his part in the betting scandal with jockey DAMIEN OLIVER. Smerdon "passed on a sum of money to Oliver" not knowing that the money "was the proceeds of an illegal bet" (THE AGE, 6/18).
