Wales rugby int'l SAM WARBURTON confirmed his "immediate retirement from all forms of rugby." The "shock" announcement "handed Wales a huge blow" ahead of next year's World Cup and will leave head coach WARREN GATLAND "without one of his best players for the tournament in Japan." Warburton: "Unfortunately, after a long period of rest and rehabilitation, the decision to retire from ruby has been made with my health and wellbeing as a priority" (London TELEGRAPH, 7/18). ... SIMON MANNERING announced he will retire at the end of the National Rugby League season. The former New Zealand Warriors captain, who made his debut in '05, will make his 294th appearance for the club on Sunday against the Melbourne Storm and is "on track to play his 300th game in the final round of the regular season." He said, "I don't want to go half-hearted into another season. It wouldn't be fair on my teammates or the club" (STUFF, 7/18). ... Top14 side Toulon Owner MOURAD BOUDJELLAL was handed a €75,000 ($87,360) fine by European Professional Club Rugby following his comments in January after Toulon player MATHIEU BASTAREAUD was "cited on suspicion of making a homophobic slur" (London TELEGRAPH, 7/17). ... The mother of Brazilian football int'l TAISON was kidnapped on Monday "by an armed gang" but released "within hours" after police located the kidnappers (London GUARDIAN, 7/17). ... K League side Ulsan Hyundai announced it signed Man City midfielder MIX DISKERUD on a one-year loan. This is the first time a South Korean club has signed a player directly from the EPL (YONAHP, 7/18).
