Thaler to referee Test decider

Rugby League: Super League referee Ben Thaler will be in charge of Saturday’s series decider between England and New Zealand at Wigan, the Rugby Football League announced yesterday.

Thaler, 34, from Wakefield, took charge of the opener and got the nod ahead of Australian Gerard Sutton from a three-man selection panel.

Sutton refereed Saturday’s second Test in London, which the Kiwis won to level the series.

Hammers and Blues handed fines by FA

Football: West Ham and Chelsea were fined £40,000 and £50,000 respectively by the Football Association yesterday following last month’s clash at the Boleyn Ground.

Both clubs admitted misconduct charges of failing to ensure their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion during West Ham’s 2-1 win.

The two clubs have also been severely warned as to their future conduct.

Salford add Vidot to squad

Rugby League: Salford announced the signing of Daniel Vidot from Brisbane Broncos yesterday on a two-year contract.

The versatile Samoa international, who can play in the centre or out wide, will join his new teammates for the 2016-17 season.

The capture of the powerful 25-year-old continues Salford’s rebuilding for next term, after the signings of Justin Carney, Mark Flanagan, Robert Lui and Ben Murdoch-Masila.

Denton replaces Burgess for Bath

Rugby Union: Bath signed Scotland back-row forward David Denton from Edinburgh yesterday, in a deal to offset the loss of Sam Burgess.

Denton should arrive later this week, following completion of a medical.

Bath finally settled on recruiting the Zimbabwe-born 25-year-old after failing to sign Taulupe Faletau.

Burgess returned to rugby league and South Sydney after cutting his stay in rugby union short after the World Cup.