Briefs | Golf – Poulter, Fraser early leaders in European Tour finale

Ian Poulter and Marcus Fraser carded 6-under-par rounds of 66 each to be the clubhouse leaders halfway through the opening round of the World Tour Championship yesterday. Poulter, world-ranked 50 and trying to stay there, went bogey-free on the Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates. Fraser was 7 under after 14 holes, but a bogey on the par-4 16th soured the Australian’s finish. Francesco Molinari was one behind on 67, while Alejandro Canizares of Spain, who was ranked 62nd in the Race to Dubai and got into the field after Sergio Garcia and George Coetzee pulled out, shot 68. Fabrizio Zanotti of Paraguay also started with a 4-under 68. Race to Dubai leader Rory McIlroy, and second-place Danny Willett were in the last group, and at 2 under after eight holes.

Rugby – Reports: Eddie Jones close to becoming England rugby coach

Eddie Jones has reportedly spoken to England’s Rugby Football Union about becoming the national team’s next manager, and the first from overseas. Sections of the British media reported that Jones was close to being appointed, with the London Evening Standard newspaper saying he has flown to the English capital yesterday. The RFU said it wouldn’t be commenting on speculation regarding Jones, who coached Australia to the Rugby World Cup final in 2003, and led Japan to three pool wins at the recent tournament in Britain — including a stunning 34-32 victory over South Africa. England is looking for a coach with international experience to replace Stuart Lancaster, who was fired after the team became the first host to fail to advance from the pool stage. Jones has just started a stint in charge of South Africa’s Stormers in Super Rugby.

Rugby – All Blacks captain McCaw confirms his retirement from rugby

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw made it official: He’s retiring from all rugby after a record 148 test matches across a 15-year international career capped with back-to-back World Cup titles. McCaw used a news conference broadcast live in New Zealand on Thursday to confirm his retirement, but the anticipated decision was partly overshadowed by the sudden death a day earlier of legendary All Blacks winger Jonah Lomu. A resilient backrower, McCaw became international rugby’s most-capped player this year when he surpassed the mark of 141 test appearances held by retired Ireland captain Brian O’Driscoll. He led New Zealand to victory at the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand, and again in Britain last month.