Briefs-All Black scrumhalf Weepu signs for two more years

Aug 20 (Reuters) - Sports news in brief from around the world:

Rugby - Wellington scrumhalf Piri Weepu has extended his New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) contract by two years to 2010, the organisation said on Wednesday.

The 24-year-old, who made his debut for the All Blacks in 2004, was dropped for last year's World Cup campaign but recalled for this season's Tri-Nations tournament after incumbent Andrew Ellis suffered a rib injury last month.

NZRU general manager of professional rugby Neil Sorensen said Weepu's re-signing was significant.

"Piri is an outstanding rugby player and to have him play in New Zealand is fantastic for us," Sorensen said.

Soccer - A 30th minute goal from striker Roguy Meye handed Gabon a morale-boosting 1-0 win over Mali in a friendly international played in Paris on Tuesday.

The victory came three weeks before Gabon's vital World Cup qualifier in Lesotho and also marked a return to the side of Glasgow rangers striker Daniel Cousin, who was paired upfront with the Hungary-based Meye.

Soccer - The Democratic Republic of Congo won the first of two World Cup warm-up games in two days with a 2-0 triumph at French club Auxerre on Tuesday.

Veteran winger Marcel Mbayo and midfielder Biscotte Mbala scored a goal in each half as the Congolese began preparations for a key World Cup qualifier at home to Egypt early next month.

On Wednesday, the team will take on Togo in Dreux, France. (Editing by John O'Brien)