The Crusaders say the controversy around coach Rob Penney has brought them closer together

The struggling Super Rugby Pacific champions were forced to apologise to a reporter who Penney used an expletive to describe, following a press conference.



Former Kiwis coach Sir Graham Lowe believes the Warriors' call to drop star prop Addin Fonua-Blake for disciplinary reasons is a milestone moment.

Coach Andrew Webster made the decision after Fonua-Blake missed the Warriors' post-game celebrations after last week's upset win over the Panthers.

Lowe says it was brave and difficult, but it's a fantastic call.



And the Aussie NBL has confirmed that Perth will host the new "Hoops Fest", a full extra round to kick off the season in September.

But Basketball Australia CEO Matt Scriven denies it's an additional home game for the Perth Wildcats.