The Chiefs have confirmed an open secret in New Zealand rugby

Damian McKenzie has been linked with a stint in Japan next year, with his NZR contract up after this season.

Chiefs CEO Michael Collins has confirmed they've signed one-test All Black Josh Ioane with McKenzie's absence in mind.



Meanwhile, a Zoom call with the governing body today will go some way towards shaping this year's Heartland Championship.

Heartland Unions will dial in to find out the latest, as they try and belatedly start this year's competition 12 months on from the 2020 season being wiped.

South Canterbury Rugby CEO Craig Calder says a move to level two in the next week would be helpful.



Men's third seed Stefanos Tsitsipas has survived a big scare from a rejuvenated Andy Murray, to reach the second round at the US tennis Open in New York.

Tsitsipas has prevailed in five sets, winning 2-6, 7-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.