The All Blacks’ reputation as the hard men of world rugby may be tested by the admission of midfielder Ma’a Nonu that he wears eye make-up during matches. Nonu told a television interviewer on Tuesday that he recently started wearing dark eyeliner in major games.

Springbok fullback Percy Montgomery and veteran referee Andre Watson were among the recipients of SA Rugby Special Awards during the annual Absa SA Rugby Awards banquet in Sandton on Monday night. Others honoured included the four past presidents of the South African Rugby Football Union.

PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem sees nothing wrong with the amount of tournaments Ernie Els plays outside the United States, saying on Monday that the three-time major winner is playing enough on the American PGA Tour to satisfy its requirements.

The mayor wanted a picture with him. The owner of the local National Football League team wanted a word with him. Civic leaders simply wanted to shake his hand. Vijay Singh was the star attraction on Monday at a PGA Tour luncheon. It was another example of just how far the 41-year-old Fijian has come.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger ruled out England defender Sol Campbell and Brazil midfielder Edu from Tuesday’s Champions League match against Greek giants Panathinaikos. Both Campbell, who missed Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Southampton, and Edu are suffering from calf injuries.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is tired of talking about his team’s 2-0 loss to Manchester United eight days ago. Reds counterpart Alex Ferguson won’t let the subject go. Ferguson wants Gunners forwards Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp punished for foul play during the game.