The National Rugby League on Wednesday announced the "introduction of a fine system for minor offences and issued a warning that the salary cap auditor has the power to monitor pay slips to ensure those responsible, rather than their club, are made to foot the bill for any breaches."
The changes to the match review committee process "are expected to eradicate much of the controversy that enveloped a system which most agreed was unwieldy and in need to refinement." The changes came after a working group involving some of the game’s sharpest minds "recommended changes to clarify a process that had been a magnet for controversy in recent seasons." The NRL "will monitor pay slips to ensure the players themselves pay fines rather than pass any penalty on to their clubs" (THE AUSTRALIAN, 2/2).
Ironman and the Int'l Triathlon Union announced that they agreed to a cooperation framework to further develop and grow triathlon. A memorandum of understanding was signed by both parties citing key priorities and next steps to ensure the growth and harmonization of the sport. In particular, the MOU focused on standardized rules, further collaboration on anti-doping efforts, national federation relations, sanctioning, a single set of rules and collaborative marketing initiatives to grow the sport at the age-group level (Ironman).
The 12 participating rugby clubs in the Welsh National Championship -- the third tier below Pro12 and Premiership -- "have formed a collaborative working organisation" called Championship Rugby Wales.
CRW "has been designed to provide a platform for the clubs" to collaborate with the Welsh Rugby Union more effectively to ensure that the "long-term interests of the division are safeguarded" (RUNNING RUGY, 2/1).
