Samoa becomes the second nation to progress through the global qualifying process, following Canada's qualification last weekend, and the 14th to secure its place in the tournament.

The Samoans join defending World Champions South Africa in Pool D along with Wales and Fiji. The pool line-up will be completed by the winner of Africa's qualifying final, between Tunisia and Namibia in November.

Samoa started at the Lloyd Robson stadium at a ferocious pace and wing Mikaele Pesamino crossed for the first of his three tries after just four minutes. Five more unanswered first half tries by Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu, Andrew Williams (2), Semo Sititi and a second for Pesamino put the result beyond doubt, and Titi Esau landed four of the conversions to make the score 38-0 at the break.

"Martyn and Gethin are going have operations so they won't be here until November after the Lions tour which is disappointing," said Blues boss Dai Young who will also be without Tom Shanklin and Tom James at the start of the season - also due to shoulder injuries.

The news is the latest blow to Wales coach Warren Gatland who is already set to be without prop Adam Jones who also suffered a shoulder injury during the recent British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa.

Aironi Rugby is a joint venture by Super 10 sides Rugby Viadana, Rugby GRAN Parma, Rugby Parma and two other Second Division clubs. Praetorians Rugby Roma is supported by Super 10 sides Rugby Roma and Capitolina and Serie A club Lazio Rugby.

The Western Mail reports that cash-laden Toulon were offering Ospreys star Phillips a package around the £1m mark as they tried tempt the Welshman to team up with new recruit Jonny Wilkinson.

"Mike has turned down big offers from two French clubs and a South African province since coming back from the Lions tour, where his behaviour was impeccable," said Mike Burton, the player's agent. "Mike is committed to playing in Wales and wants to be left alone to get on with his career as a professional rugby player."

Phillips, one of the stars of the recent Lions tour to South Africa, has been involved in a number of controversial off-the-field incidents including a recent arrest following an altercation with a Cardiff taxi driver.

The giant wing made his Test debut against France in 1994 and in doing so became the youngest All Black ever - aged 19 years and 45 days.

Lomu joined some of New Zealand other greats at the the first of six All Blacks capping ceremonies set to be staged around the country in the next year. The capping ceremony used to be a tradition but was interrupted by World War II and was not re-introduced until 1997.

Other former All Blacks honoured included Stu Wilson, Eric Rush, Joe Stanley, Sid Going and the current NZRU vice-president, Bryan Williams.

"It's flattering to receive this kind of attention and to be linked to other clubs, but I'm an Ospreys man through and through," he told the Western Mail.

Sharks boss and former Swansea coach John Plumtree was keen to lure Byrne back to South Africa but instead was forced to switch his attention to Stade Francais star Juan Martin Hernandez with the Argentina international set to tie up a move in the coming days.

"Hernandez will be a great asset when we are able to get him. I hope he can join us as quickly as possible," said Plumtree.