■ Rugby Union
ARU may recruit foreigners
The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) is considering changing its rules to allow foreign players to play in the Super 14. Officials are concerned about an apparent lack of depth in Australia's ranks after all four of their Super 14 teams failed to make the playoffs this season. Overseas players are banned from playing on Australia's four Super 14 teams because the ARU only wants players eligible to represent the Wallabies. But the ARU is considering changing the rules next year to allow each team to bring in one foreign player as part of a strategy to improve playing strength. "The issue came up with the Australian Rugby Championship," ARU high performance manager Pat Wilson told the Australian newspaper yesterday.
■ Soccer
China lose to Thailand
Chinese national men's soccer coach Zhu Guanghu came under renewed pressure yesterday after his team lost to Thailand for the first time in 14 years in a friendly tune-up for the Asian Cup. "There is only one conclusion from the match: It would be extremely inappropriate for Zhu Guanghu to remain in his position," said a commentary in the Beijing Morning Post. Thailand edged the visitors 1-0 in Bangkok on a 40th-minute goal from striker Pipat Thonkanya. It was Thailand's first victory against China since the 1993 Emperor's Cup in Thailand, according to state media.
■ Soccer
Adebayor to meet mediator
Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor will meet with a mediator appointed to try and resolve the controversy between players kicked out of the Togolese national side in a row over bonus payments. Winny Dogbatse, who was appointed by league chiefs in Togo to mediate between the Togo Football Federation and the players, said on Wednesday that he would be traveling to Europe to meet with the players. National captain Adebayor had been excluded from the team in March along with striker Kader Cougbadja, who plays for Jazira in the United Arab Emirates, and defender Nibombe Dare of Belgian second division side RAEC Mons.
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