Flavell hearing makes history

Troy Flavell, who broke Richard Hill's nose while playing for the New Zealand Barbarians against England on Saturday, will make rugby union history next week when his disciplinary hearing is conducted by videophone.

The Rugby Football Union have been asked by their New Zealand counterparts to handle the hearing after the player was cited for an alleged punch during the Twickenham game.

Commodore Jeff Blackett will chair the hearing at Twickenham, with Flavell giving his evidence by videophone from New Zealand.

Meanwhile, axed All Blacks coach John Mitchell is take charge of his home union, Waikato, next season.