FIVE Nations champions France want to take part in the annual Tri-Nation Series involving Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

Abdel Benazzi, captain of the French tour party in Australia, believes his side have proved they are kings of the Northern Hemisphere and are now keen to take on the best the Southern Hemisphere can offer.

"This year we proved we are a good team in the Northern Hemisphere and now we arrive here with a big challenge," said Benazzi, whose side play the first of two internationals against the Wallabies on Saturday.

"South Africa, New Zealand and the Wallabies won the last three World Cups. We want to play good rugby and to prove to this hemisphere against the Wallabies that this (French) rugby movement is fast and strong.

"We want to continue with the same performance of the Five Nations Grand Slam this year. We want to be part of this Grand Slam you have and we want more games in the Southern Hemisphere."

Meanwhile, hooker Jonathan Humphreys has been forced out of Wales's rugby union tour of America and Canada later this month by a pelvic injury.

His place in the 30-strong squad for the six-match, three-Test tour is taken by Swansea's Garin Jenkins. Humphreys is the second player to miss the trip. following Swansea flanker Colin Charvis withdrawal with a knee injury,

. Cliff Brittle was last night accused of employing bullying tactics in his bid to become the Rugby Football Union's new management board chairman. RFU president John Richardson launched an outspoken attack on Brittle after the millionaire businessman promised "swift personnel changes" if he is elected at. next month's annual genernal meeting.

Executive committee chief Brittle is being opposed by RFU candidate Bob Rogers for the key post, but says he will have no hesitation wielding the jobs axe should England's grass roots clubs carry him to victory.

RFU secretary Tony Hallett, treasurer Colin Herridge and incoming president Peter Brook would appear to top any hit-list.

"I openly admit that I made a mistake when I was elected 18 months ago I should have called for the replacement of the entire executive" Brittle said.

But Richardson retorted: "The threats issued by Brittle are obviously designed to bully people into, supporting him, but it will not and should not work.

"I trust that Bob Rogers will become chairman, because that is the only way the RFU will become united"