Australia flyhalf Quade Cooper says his foray into professional boxing will give him mental strength which may help revive his international rugby career. Cooper will make his professional boxing debut on February 8 in a bout against Australian Barry Dunnett, on the undercard of the fight between former New Zealand international Sonny Bill Williams and South Africa's Francois Botha. Cooper said the demands of boxing training had stretched him and "it's something I've grown from and will continue to grow from". AP
Move over, Tim Tebow. "Kaepernicking" is all the craze now. In the wake of San Francisco's 45-31 victory over the Green Bay Packers in Saturday night's NFC divisional play-off, 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick's touchdown celebration of flexing his right arm and kissing his bicep has taken off on social media. Several 49ers fans have posted pictures of themselves in the act at home, in bars, on the street, at work or just about any other place they frequent. Some even positioned their toddlers or dogs in the pose. Others made online videos. "Kaepernicking" had started weeks ago after the quarterback replaced Alex Smith, though the act has increased during San Francisco's run to the NFC title game against Atlanta. Tebow, a dedicated Christian, had kneeled down in prayer following scores during Denver's improbable run to the play-offs last year. He faded with the New York Jets this season, and so did "Tebowing". AP