Briefs2-Italy ponders rugby 'super side' after losing streak

Dec 3 (Reuters) - Sports news in brief from around the world.

Rugby - Italy is considering creating a "super side" to play in the Celtic League after the low quality of their domestic competition was blamed for the national team's recent defeats by Australia, Argentina and Pacific Islanders.

The Italian rugby federation and clubs in the existing Super 10 league will meet next Wednesday and on Dec. 19 to discuss the proposal and other ideas.

"To modify what we have at present, you need good sense. Everyone will have to give up something for the good of the group," federation president Giancarlo Dondi told Gazzetta dello Sport.

Soccer - Real Madrid hope to strengthen their squad with a second signing for the January transfer window, after agreeing a deal with Ajax for Dutch striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar.

"We have been following Huntelaar for two years, he is a great goalscorer," sports director Predrag Mijatovic told Spanish state radio. "We've opened one Christmas present, now we'll have to see if we can open another by the end of the year."

Soccer - Spain midfielder Xavi, who came fifth in the voting for the Ballon d'Or, has agreed the details of a four-year contract extension with Barcelona which will keep him with the Primera Liga club until 2014.

"(President Joan) Laporta rang me, through my representative, and we sealed the agreement," Xavi told Catalunya Radio."

Soccer - Vietnam will send a policemen from the country's anti-graft force to ensure its players steer clear of matchfixing at this week's Southeast Asian soccer championships, the Viet Nam News reported.

Illegal gambling on soccer is rampant in Vietnam, where underground betting syndicates frequently pay players and referees to throw matches, often resulting in jail terms. (Editing by Martin Petty)