Australian Open champion Amelie Mauresmo will lead France in their Fed Cup first round tie against Italy later this month. The world number one has been selected by captain Georges Goven to play alongside Nathalie Dechy, Emilie Loit and Virginie Razzano, while Mary Pierce and Tatiana Golovin miss the tie through injury. The tie will be played on April 22-23 in Nancy. France have won the women's team event on two occasions.

Rugby

Australia flyhalf Stephen Larkham has signed a one-year contract extension with the Wallabies and ACT Brumbies to take him through to the 2007 World Cup. New Australia coach John Connolly paid tribute to Larkham's abilities. "Stephen is a world-class player and has made a fantastic contribution to Australian rugby. He will play an important role leading up to and during the 2007 Rugby World Cup," Connolly said.

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