started planning for the debut of rugby sevens at the Olympics in 2016 by both approaching New

Zealand coach Gordon Tietjens (pictured).

Tietjens' contract with the New Zealand Rugby Union (NRZU) expires after the Commonwealth

Tietjens has led New Zealand’s dominating run in the world of sevens since 1994.

New Zealand have won the opening two tournaments of the International Rugby Board World Sevens series

" Related stories December 2009: New Zealand back to their best with second victory

December 2009: New Zealand coach in confident mood after Dubai victory December 2009: All Blacks celebrate

Willis (pictured) says he wants to win the 800 and 1500 metres double at the Commonwealth Games in New

He has not competed this year as he gets over a hip injury but is back in New Zealand from

Willis plans to stay in New Zealand for about six weeks before making a return to international racing

top gymnasts to miss 2010 Commonwealth Games December 2009: Ennis set to miss Commonwealth Games in New

Willis (pictured) says he wants to win the 800 and 1500 metres double at the Commonwealth Games in New

He has not competed this year as he gets over a hip injury but is back in New Zealand from

Willis plans to stay in New Zealand for about six weeks before making a return to international racing

top gymnasts to miss 2010 Commonwealth Games December 2009: Ennis set to miss Commonwealth Games in New

December 17 - Britain's Disabled Ski team's Anna Turney (pictured) has won won silver medal in the slalom in the NorAm event at Lake Louise in the United States to give her Vancouver Winter Paralympic hopes a big boost.

There were over 80 competitors in the NorAm races with representatives from the US, Canada, Australia, New

Zealand, Iceland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Japan, Mexico and Britain.

December 17 - Britain's Disabled Ski team's Anna Turney (pictured) has won won silver medal in the slalom in the NorAm event at Lake Louise in the United States to give her Vancouver Winter Paralympic hopes a big boost.

There were over 80 competitors in the NorAm races with representatives from the US, Canada, Australia, New

Zealand, Iceland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Japan, Mexico and Britain.

By Tom Degun December 16 - Ben Rushgrove (pictured) has reaped the rewards of his hard work off-the-track as he today received his Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Sports Performance from the prestigious University of Bath.

"On-the-track, the schedule is based around the World Championships in New Zealand in 2011 and obviously

December 16 - US Open semi-finalist Yanina Wickmayer (pictured) earned a major off-court victory today when officials lifted her one-year ban for allegedly violating the controversial whereabouts rule.

court ruling in Belgium , Wickmayer was offered a wildcard to play at the ASB Classic, a tournament in New

Zealand that serves as a warm-up for the Australian Open.

December 14 - FISA, the International Rowing Federation, has doubled the length of its Olympic and World Championships finals to four days each in an effort to increase the sport's appeal to broadcasters.

Championships in January and could implement the change in time for next year's competition at Lake Karapiro, New

Zealand, which open on October 31 and last until November 7.

December 14 - FISA, the International Rowing Federation, has doubled the length of its Olympic and World Championships finals to four days each in an effort to increase the sport's appeal to broadcasters.

Championships in January and could implement the change in time for next year's competition at Lake Karapiro, New

Zealand, which open on October 31 and last until November 7.

December 12 - New Zealand confirmed they are back on the winning trail by defeating old foes Fiji 21-

Winning in Dubai and the Western Cape town of George gives New Zealand 48 points going into the Christmas

A Ben Souness try converted by Tomasi Cama gave New Zealand a 7-0 half-time lead at Outeniqua Park and

Long-serving New Zealand coach Gordon Tietjens praised his 12-man squad which is a mix of youth and experience

New Zealand overcame a 14-point deficit to pip England 22-19 in the quarter-finals after finishing only

Related stories December 2009: New Zealand coach in confident mood after Dubai victory December

By Duncan Mackay December 11 - Britain's Victoria Pendleton (pictured) seemed to stand alone today at being pleased at the decision by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to ratify the International Cycling Union's (UCI) proposed changes to the track cycling programme for London 2012 in full in order to achieve gender equality.

The New Zealander said: "Obviously, I'm pretty devastated by the news.

The next day she was back on her bike, winning silver with the New Zealand women's pursuit team, which

By Duncan Mackay December 11 - Britain's Victoria Pendleton (pictured) seemed to stand alone today at being pleased at the decision by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to ratify the International Cycling Union's (UCI) proposed changes to the track cycling programme for London 2012 in full in order to achieve gender equality.

The New Zealander said: "Obviously, I'm pretty devastated by the news.

The next day she was back on her bike, winning silver with the New Zealand women's pursuit team, which

By Duncan Mackay in Lausanne December 9 - The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is set to get its first brother and sister as members after Prince Faisal of Jordan (pictured) was among six nominations to join the Movement proposed here today.

The nominations for new members includes three women.

The last nomination for election is Barry Maister, the 61-year-old secretary general of the New Zealand

Maister was a member of the New Zealand hockey team that won the Olympic gold medals at Montreal in 1976

The six new members will bring the total to 114, including 20 women.

December 6 - New Zealand coach Gordon Tietjens is confident victory in Dubai has set his side

International Rugby Board (IRB) Sevens World Series and next year's Commonwealth Games in New

  A number of new faces were drafted into Tietjens' side last season and for most of the players

"     Related stories December 2009: All Blacks celebrate rugby sevens new Olympic

December 5 - New Zealand claimed first blood in this season's International Rugby Board (IRB) 

  But a new-look squad this term looks to have regained their prowess in the abbreviated game.

  New Zealand coach Gordon Tietjens said: "I thought we might have been a bit undercooked

"   New Zealand made their defence count to snuff out the flair of Fiji for a 19-0 victory

  New Zealand replied with tries by Kurt Baker and a second from Cama to take the honours.

bigger than 15's predicts Kirwan November 2009: South Africa and England excited by start of new