■ Soccer
Real mull replacement
Real Madrid suggested on Sunday night that they might sign a replacement for injured right-back Cicinho. "We will study the possibility of signing a replacement in the next few days," sporting director Pedja Mijatovic said. Spanish federation rules permit a team to bring in cover for a player who has suffered long-term injury at any time during the season. Cicinho tore the cruciate ligaments in his right knee in Real's 1-0 win on Saturday at Betis. He will be operated on this week and will be out of action for around six months.
■ Rugby Union
Lauaki disciplined for punch
All Black loose forward Sione Lauaki has been disciplined by his provincial rugby team Waikato after he punched an opponent outside an Auckland bar, officials said yesterday. The Waikato Rugby Union refused to reveal what action it had taken against Lauaki after he punched Auckland reserve center Roimata Hansell-Pune outside a bar after Waikato played Auckland on Sept. 16. Lauaki was also in trouble in January after he assaulted a security guard in the northern city of Hamilton. Waikato union chief executive Gary Dawson said he was "extremely disappointed and concerned that Sione has been involved in an incident of this nature." Dawson added the matter had been resolved with Lauaki apologizing to Hansell-Pune. Lauaki was selected to play for Hamilton-based Waikato in their victory against Wellington on Saturday. The 25-year-old Lauaki missed this year's All Black Tests due to a shoulder injury, but the loose forward has been in good form for Waikato in the Air New Zealand Cup provincial competition.
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