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Amelia Kerr claimed the Debbie Hockley Medal at the NZ Cricket awards PHOTO: ICC White Fern Melie (Amelia) Kerr and Black Cap Matt Henry have won the top honours at the New Zealand Cricket Awards. Kerr claimed the Debbie Hockley Medal for an unprecedented third consecutive year as the 24-year-old dominated the awards night in Auckland and was recognised for her performances for the White Ferns and the Wellington Blaze. LATEST HEADLINES: Auckland City FC ease in OFC final Aussie legend continues with Pulse Experienced leaders at Stars 2025 Sun leads NZ to opening BJK win Warrior aim to break run of losses Kerr was the backbone of the White Ferns' 2024 ICC Women's T20 World Cup triumph. She was named Player of the Final and Player of the Tournament and was later awarded the Rachel Heyhoe Flint Trophy for ICC Women's Cricketer of the Year, as well as being named ICC Women's T20I Player of the Year. At the New Zealand awards she was named Women's ODI Player of the Year (14 wickets, average 33 with the bat) and Women's T20I Player of the Year awards, while her 441 runs and 15 wickets earned her the Super Smash Women's Player of the Year title. Matt Henry won the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal at the NZ Cricket awards PHOTO: LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY Henry matched Kerr's brilliance, earning the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal with a season of inspired success across all formats. Leading the Black Caps' attack, Henry claimed Test Player of the Year honours with 25 wickets at 20.08 in five Tests, including an eight-wicket haul in Bangalore during the historic series win against India. His 24 wickets at 15.50 secured the Men's ODI Player of the Year award. He was pivotal to the Champions Trophy final run, while 28 wickets at 21.5 earned him the Winsor Cup for men's first-class bowling. Jacob Duffy's world-class 21 wickets at 9.71 in T20Is, elevating him to No.1 in the ICC T20I bowler rankings, earned him the Men's T20I Player of the Year, while Kane Williamson's consistency was recognised with the Redpath Cup for men's first-class batting. Nothern Districts' Brett Hampton is Men's Domestic Player of the Year. Otago Sparks' Eden Carson is Women's Domestic Player of the Year with her 40 wickets across the season and match-winning 59 in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield final a highlight. Tom Bruce (Super Smash Men's Player of the Year), Maddy Green (Ruth Martin Cup), and Carson (Phyl Blackler Cup) rounded out a strong domestic contingent. A poignant highlight was the Bert Sutcliffe Medal for Outstanding Services to Cricket, NZC's most prestigious non-playing honour, awarded to Francis Payne. A cricket historian of global renown, the award recognised Payne's significant contributions to the documentation and preservation of New Zealand cricket history, most notably through his long-standing, 42-year role as co-editor of the New Zealand Cricket Almanack, a publication regarded as the definitive resource for followers of the New Zealand game. Payne has also been a familiar figure in New Zealand's cricket community, frequently appearing as a contributor on radio and television to provide expert commentary and analysis from the 1980s onwards. "Francis' meticulous approach to storytelling has brought to life, and continues to illuminate, the people and moments that underpin the game we watch and enjoy today," noted NZC chair, Diana Puketapu-Lyndon. Full List of 2025 New Zealand Cricket Awards Winners Debbie Hockley Medal: Melie Kerr Sir Richard Hadlee Medal: Matt Henry Bert Sutcliffe Medal for Outstanding Services to Cricket: Francis Payne ANZ Test Player of the Year: Matt Henry ANZ Men's ODI Player of the Year: Matt Henry ANZ Women's ODI Player of the Year: Melie Kerr ANZ Men's T20I Player of the Year: Jacob Duffy ANZ Women's T20I Player of the Year: Melie Kerr Men's Domestic Player of the Year: Brett Hampton Women's Domestic Player of the Year: Eden Carson Dream11 Super Smash Men's Player of the Year: Tom Bruce Dream11 Super Smash Women's Player of the Year: Melie Kerr Redpath Cup (men's first-class batting): Kane Williamson Ruth Martin Cup (women's domestic batting): Maddy Green Winsor Cup (men's first-class bowling): Matt Henry Phyl Blackler Cup (women's domestic bowling): Eden Carson GJ Gardner Homes Umpire of the Year: Chris Gaffaney

Auckland City FC are into their 13th OFC Champions League final PHOTO: OFC/PHOITOTEK A dominant Auckland City FC have seen off the challenge of Vanuatu's Ifira Black Bird FC 2-0 to reach the final of the OFC Men’s Champions League 2025 in Honiara. The New Zealnad side will chase their 13th title against Hekari United FC from Papua New Guinea in the final. Paul Posa’s side were rewarded when Haris Zeb scored his third goal in as many games in the 25th minute. LATEST HEADLINES: Aussie legend continues with Pulse Experienced leaders at Stars 2025 Sun leads NZ to opening BJK win Warrior aim to break run of losses Regional referee squads confirmed Less than five minutes from time Myer Bevan sealed the win with a tap in from a Matt Ellis cross. Auckland City goalkeeper Connor Tracey made a superb save to deny Ifira Black Bird from a late corner, but there was to be no consolation goal for the Vanuatu side. "It was a tough game, but nobody could say we didn't deserve it. We created lots of chances." said Auckland City coach Paul Posa. Auckland City FC took a one-goal lead into halftime and maintained control throughout the second half—though Ifira Black Bird came close to equalising in the 51st minute, when Godine Tenene sent a header over the bar. But that was as close as the team from Port Vila came to getting back into the game, and their frustrations boiled over with four Ifira Black Bird players receiving five yellow cards. 18 minutes from time replacement Matt Ellis had a chance to score but played the ball across to Dylan Manickum who had his goal bound shot cleared off the line by Kerry Iawak. Earlier, Auckland City FC started the match in searing 32-degree heat, the brighter of the two sides, with Manickum putting the defence under pressure early on. However, Posa’s side suffered a setback when Tong Zhou was forced off with an injury in the 15th minute and replaced by Gerrard Garriga. A minute later Alphonse Lency let fly from 30 metres and his shot rasped over the crossbar for Ifira. From that moment on it was all Auckland City as Manickum twice came close to open the scoring before Zeb rifled home a rebound into the back of the net in the 25th minute. A couple of minutes later Manickum fired against the post with the Ifira Black Bird defence at sixes and sevens. In the 33rd minute Jenson Lagos found himself through on goal and the advancing Benoit Beaujeon made a superb save for Ifira. From the resulting set piece City hit the post again, this time through captain Adam Mitchell. Jean Robert Yelou’s side was largely ineffective going forward and was reduced to a handful of long-range efforts on the counterattack. Auckland City FC 2 (Harris Zeb 25’, Myer Bevan 86’) Ifira Black Bird FC 0

Maia Wilson, Mila Reuelu-Buchanan and Kate Burley will lead the Stars in the ANZ Premierhsip PHOTO: STARS NETBALL The Stars will have an experienced trio of players at the forefront of their leadership group for the 2025 ANZ Premiership season. Maia Wilson will once again take the reins as captain, with veteran midcourter Mila Reuelu-Buchanan her vice-captain, while established defender Kate Burley rounds out the leadership group. LATEST HEADLINES: Sun leads NZ to opening BJK win Warrior aim to break run of losses Regional referee squads confirmed Kiwis at World Longboard Champs Stead undecided on Black Caps The players were voted into their respective positions by their peers and management. New Stars coach Temepara Bailey played with Wilson during the Stars’ inaugural season in 2017 and is excited to see her continue to grow in the captaincy position. “She’s been through the highs and the lows on and off the court. She’s got experience and understanding of her teammates and management and the way she communicates with everyone comes from a really good place." Bailey explained. “She obviously has her own job to do as well and is learning a new position, so with the support of Mila and Kate she’ll lead from the front as she always has and we want to see her continue to do so on the court.” Reuelu-Buchanan has been working tirelessly to return from injury over the off-season and Bailey feels her vice-captaincy is well deserved. “Seeing Mila’s growth, not only on court with how she plays the game, but off the court and in that leadership space, she’s understanding who she is as a leader and taking that to another level and being aware of her teammates and what they need in certain situations.” Bailey said. Burley was also a part of the first Stars team of 2017 and has transformed into one of the ANZ Premiership’s premier defenders and had a stand out season returning to the Stars in 2024. Bailey is impressed with Burley’s presence as a leader. “It was cool to see Kate voted into the leadership group. She brings a lot of experience not only where she is now in the netball world, but she’s been through a lot of ups and downs in her own career to get to where she Is now. Her experience will be good for some players coming through as well. She leads from the front, but also works really hard.” The Northern Stars were beaten finalists in 2022, 2023 but finished fifth last season.

Australian netball great Vicki Wilson is set to continue her relationship with the Central Pulse netball franchise PHOTO: CENTRAL PULSE Former Australian netball great Vicki Wilson will be on hand for the eighth edition of the Te Wānanga o Raukawa pre-season netball tournament in Ōtaki this weekend. Playing over 100 tests for Australia during a 15-year international career, Wilson was the world’s best goal shoot during the 1990s. LATEST HEADLINES: Experienced leaders at Stars 2025 Sun leads NZ to opening BJK win Warrior aim to break run of losses Regional referee squads confirmed Kiwis at World Longboard Champs She has a prime opportunity to cast her eye over this year’s edition of the Central Pulse as well as some of their rivals, including the Northern Mystics, Mainland Tactix, Southern Steel and Waikato-BOP Magic this weekend. In an historic first, the Pulse will open the tournament against the Pulse Men on Friday. ``Seeing them in a game situation gives you a wonderful opportunity to look at various structures that need working on and even the fundamental skills that are required to fulfil good play within those structures,’’ Wilson said. ``It’s early days and it’s seeing where everyone is at but also a great opportunity to connect with (coaches) Anna (Andrews-Tasola) and Kim (Howard) to just talk through where the Pulse are heading in 2025.’’ With rule innovations being introduced for this year’s ANZ Premiership, most notably the two-point shot, where the opportunity to score double points from distance will come into play for the last five minutes of each quarter, the tournament is an added opportunity for teams to navigate the new dynamic. ``The two-point shot has a different effect, whether you’re the trailing team or the leading team and it certainly brings a great deal of pressure if you’re the trailing team,’’ Wilson said. ``But you can use it in so many ways and it’s all about developing awareness.’’ Under Australian rules, shooters need to be three metres away from the goalpost for shots to be doubled. In this year’s ANZ Premiership, shooters will have to be at least 3.5 metres away from the post for a shot to be worth two-points, the same as Fast5 netball. ``Even for the two-point shot in Australia being closer, it still reduces the accuracy somewhat, down to 70 percent and even lower, so I’m not quite sure what the impact of the two-point shot will be here and it will be interesting to see how many teams go for it,’’ Wilson said. From a playing and spectator perspective, Wilson likes the concept because it means the ``game is never dead, forces goalers to increase their range and makes the defence change to a very different game’’. But on the flipside, can cause all sorts of hair-raising moments for a coach. With the Pulse retaining their shooting trio from last season, which at times was decimated by injury, Wilson cannot wait to get stuck in. ``I’m very happy to be working with Amelia (Walmsley), Tiana (Metuarau) and Khiarna (Williams) and have that opportunity just to build on last year where we had lots of challenges around injuries,’’ she said. ``The potential is certainly there ... Tiana’s just a master of court craft, she has the ball on a string and her ability to position everyone else, Amelia’s got this terrific aerial game and still learning the skills to go with it and Khiarna had injury challenges last year so to get some constant matches will be perfect for her as she’s a really clever player.’’ With some on managed loads and others adhering to return to play protocols, the Pulse will have an extended squad in attendance for the tournament. Kelly Jackson will captain the Pulse this year with last season’s co-captain Metuarau keen to just concentrate on her own game after missing a big chunk of last season through injury. In a unique experience, all teams, including management, officials and umpires will be accommodated at the Te Wānanga o Raukawa campus in Ōtaki, north of Wellington. All matches will be played at the Māori tertiary education provider’s health and fitness facility, Ngā Purapura. TE WANANGA O RAUKAWA TOURNAMENT DRAW FRIDAY, APRIL 11 Central Pulse vs Central Pulse Men, 6pm Northern Mystics vs Mainland Tactix, 7.45pm SATURDAY, APRIL 12 Central Pulse vs Southern Steel, 9am Waikato-BOP Magic vs Mainland Tactix, 11am Northern Mystics vs Central Pulse, 2pm Southern Steel vs Waikato-BOP Magic, 4pm SUNDAY, APRIL 13 Southern Steel vs Northern Mystics, 9am Central Pulse vs Waikato-BOP Magic, 11am .

Lulu Sun won both of her matches for New Zealand against India PHOTO: NZSW New Zealand has beaten India 2-1 thanks to a Lulu Sun led a fightback in their opening tie at the Billie Jean King Cup women's tennis tournament in Pune. New Zealand fell behind the host nation 1-0 early in their Asia/Oceania Group I opener after Aishi Das - making her tournament debut - lost 6-1 6-1 to Shrivalli Rashmikaa Bhamidipaty. LATEST HEADLINES: Warrior aim to break run of losses Regional referee squads confirmed Kiwis at World Longboard Champs Stead undecided on Black Caps Four named for Athletics Champs World No 45 Sun responded by beating Sahaja Yamalapalli 6-3 6-3, dominating with her serve as she sent down five aces and didn't concede a single break point. With the tie all-square, Sun and Monique Barry combined in the decisive doubles match to beat Ankita Raina and Prarthana G Thombare 6-4 6-3. The top two nations in the round-robin tournament advance to the World Group playoffs in November. India were regarded as one of the stronger combinations, putting New Zealand in a good position heading into Wednesday night's clash with another favoured nation, South Korea

A new framework for referees around New Zealand. PHOTO: NZ RUGBY A revamped regional referee squad programme has been announced by New Zealand Rugby, featuring 82 of the country’s top and emerging referees split across five regional squads. The announcement of the squads is in line with the launch of the High Performance Referee strategy and the 2025 community referee framework. LATEST HEADLINES: Kiwis at World Longboard Champs Stead undecided on Black Caps Four named for Athletics Champs Bertschinger NZ Floorball coach Ben Hunt wins tight Otago Rally title Chris Pollock, NZR's high performance referee manager, said the introduction of the two initiatives creates a unified pathway for developing match officials. “Together, these initiatives will provide the opportunity to position New Zealand Rugby as world leaders in the way the game is officiated.” The top-14 referees in the country have also been named in the newly formed New Zealand Performance Referee Squad, as well as the regional squads, and will be responsible for officiating all Super Rugby Pacific, Super Rugby Aupiki and NPC matches. “We are very clear that we want our system to allow players and coaches to showcase their skills. We need to develop our referees in a way that helps grow our players and coaches while creating great competitions through how we officiate and appoint match officials,” Pollock said. The development of a community referee framework will introduce clear standards for progression in the community game, ultimately preparing match officials for selection into regional development squads. Matt Peters, NZR’s game development manager – referees, said the alignment will have benefits across the game. “The framework means that referees throughout the country will have access to the same bank of resources, the same coaching and review processes which gives them a clear understanding of how to progress,” said Peters. Regional development referees will officiate Farah Palmer Cup, Heartland Championship, provincial union development, age-group, and leading 1st XV competitions. The five squads will gather up to three times a year for regional development workshops, with a top referee coach leading each group. The 81 referees represent 16 provincial unions, with the Blues region having the largest contingent at 20 members. There are 15 women in the group, including two new additions in Otago’s Elisabeth Hutton-Neill and Amy Eason. Nine referees have international experience, including six currently officiating at the highest level in XVs. Additionally, Tiana Anderson, Chloe Sampson, and Nick Hogan are currently refereeing on the World Sevens Series. NZ RUGBY REGIONAL REFEREE SQUADS Referee squads (bold indicates Performance Squad members) BLUES REGION Ben O’Keeffe, Angus Mabey, Marcus Playle, Todd Petrie, Natarsha Ganley, Maggie Cogger-Orr, Scott Mckenzie, Sam Adam, Nathan Chestnut, Kyle Lagerwall, Tim Olliff, Ollie Hadfield, Tomas Roche, Leo Palmer, Travis Larsen, Dion Aho, Hannah Russell, Adam Palmer, Caleb Greeves, Ben Mclauchlan Regional Lead: Chris Morgan CHIEFS REGION Paul Williams, Mike Winter, Warwick Lahmert , Ben Woolerton, Tiana Anderson, Will Johnston, Andy Morton, Ben Brownlie, Brandon Roberts, Chloe Sampson, Kaitlin Bates, Sam Fellows, Liam Sargent, Estelle Whaiapu, Matt Astle, Neco Blanc, Sean Curragh, Nick Hogan Regional Lead: Rob Parkes HURRICANES REGION Dan Waenga, Stu Curran, Jono Bredin, Stu Catley, Krysten Cottrell, Jacob Booth, Matt McEwen, Matt Thomas, Charlie Harris, Ethan Loveridge, Warwick Price, Sam Couper, Claire Richardson, Matt Perry, Nathan Pinder Regional Lead(s): Brent Murray and Brian Robertson CRUSADERS REGION Jackson Henshaw , Dan Moore, Ben Alexander, Taneika Uerata, Josh Edmonds, Chris Paul, Josh Rooney, Will Todd, Karl Hancox, Will Day, John Whitcombe, Damon Smith, Andrew Matthews Regional Lead: Kane McBride HIGHLANDERS REGION James Doleman, Fraser Hannon , Cassie Watt, Georgia Mason, Erin Doherty, Caleb Neilson, Logan Whitty, Josh Hamill, Michael Buttery, Jackson Brierly, Jared Fox, Elisabeth Hutton-Neill, Amy Eason, Craig Anderson, Sam Nicholson, Kieran Eathorne Regional Lead: Jim Thomson

Luke Metcalf has been instrumental in the three Warriors wins this season PHOTO: NRL Loose forward Erin Clark will reach his 100 game career milestone in the One New Zealand Warriors’ sixth-round NRL contest against the Storm at AAMI Park in Melbourne on Sunday The feat has been a long eight years in the making for the 27-year-old Manurewa Marlins junior with Melbourne the common denominator in both his first and his 100th games. LATEST HEADLINES: Regional referee squads confirmed Kiwis at World Longboard Champs Stead undecided on Black Caps Four named for Athletics Champs Bertschinger NZ Floorball coach His debut as a 19-year-old against the Storm on March 10, 2017, lasted just six minutes and he then had to wait more than three years before making his way back onto the NRL stage with the Gold Coast Titans in 2020. It was a comeback that came via a brief stint with Canberra and then playing local footy back in Auckland before the Titans offered him an opportunity. Established as a first-choice starting forward since returning to the Warriors this season, Clark is set to have a vital role to play against the Warriors’ most difficult opponent. He’s included in a starting lineup which is identical to the one originally named for the round four clash against Wests Tigers before Rocco Berry was ruled out with a minor hamstring strain. Berry is included again after missing the Warriors’ last 14 matches following a season- ending shoulder injury in the round 15 match against the Storm in June last year. He has made his way back with the club’s New South Wales Cup side, playing in each of the Warriors’ first three wins of the season. With Berry in the centres, Adam Pompey, playing his 99th game, moves to the wing after Edward Kosi filled the role in the dramatic 26-24 win over the Tigers in round four. The interchange is unchanged from the one used against the Tigers with prop Bunty Afoa again named to fill the vacancy left by Dylan Walker’s departure. . After three straight hard-fought wins over Manly Warringah, the Sydney Roosters and the Tigers, the Warriors come off their first bye to face the formidable Storm. At stake again on Saturday will be the Michael Moore Trophy which the Warriors haven’t held for 10 years as they’ve endured a run of 16 straight defeats Warriors to face Storm: 1 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2 Taine Tuaupiki, 3 Rocco Berry, 4 Ali Leiataua, 5 Adam Pompey, 6 Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7 Luke Metcalf, 8 James Fisher0-Harris, 9 Wayde Egan, 10 Mitchell Barnett (c), 11 Kurt Capewell, 12 Marata Niukore, 13 Erin Clark Interchange: 14 Bunty Afoa, 15 Jackson Ford, 16 Demitric Vaimauga, 17 Leka Halasima Extended bench:, 18 Tanah Boyd, 20 Jacob Laban, 21 Sam Healey, 22 Te Maire Martin, 23 Ed Kosi,

The Football Ferns in training after games were cancelled due to safety concerns over the pitch PHOTO: FOOTBALL NZ A blow for the Football Ferns with their international friendlies against Chinese Taipei cancelled after ground issues. Games were set to be played at Kaohsiung Nanzih Football Stadium in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Tuesday 8 April but has been called off due to safety concerns over the pitch. LATEST HEADLINES: Maxwell wins UCI MTB cross-country Phoenix first A-League win since Jan Routliffe, Ostapenko win Charleston Hayden Wilde wins Singapore T100 Black Ferns win Singapore Sevens title The move follows the training game between the sides which was set to be played on Saturday 5 April, at the same venue, also being called off for the same reason. In a statement Football NZ said "The stadium staff have worked to improve the pitch since issues were first raised, but unfortunately, in its current condition, New Zealand Football have had to prioritise player welfare and call off the match, as it is unsuitable and unsafe to play on. Alternative venues were sought immediately when concerns were raised, but no suitab"le grass pitch options were available, so unfortunately the match has had to be called off. The venu was built in 2020 and has two pitches, one grass and one with an artificial surface, and has a seating capacity of 1,200. The stadium came in for criticism after its construction when it failed to meet FIFA certification criteria.

Gisborne's Hannah Kohn in action and set to surf for New Zealand IN El Salvador PHOTO: COASTAL IMAGES New Zealand is sending a team of four surfers to compete at the 2025 World Longboard Surfing Championship (WLSC) in El Salvador later this month. The team, who qualified via the Surfing New Zealand National Team policy, will represent New Zealand in both the Men’s with Jack Tyro (Christchurch) and Oliver Janes (Auckland) plus Gabi Paul (Piha) and Hannah Kohn (Gisborne) in the Women’s Longboard Division LATEST HEADLINES: Stead undecided on Black Caps Four named for Athletics Champs Bertschinger NZ Floorball coach Ben Hunt wins tight Otago Rally title Football Ferns v Chinese Taipei off Kohn, who was in the team last year was thrilled to get the opportunity again. “Yeah, I’m stoked as! It’s an honour to get to represent NZ on the world stage again, and I had a lot of fun last year, so I’m looking forward to it. I am much more aware of how tricky the wave is now, so hopefully that awareness pays off. With such a tight turnaround, I haven’t had time to do any proper preparation, but I’ve had a couple of competitions recently, like the Single Fin Mingle, and the West End Wiggle is coming up, which are great for prepping. Three weeks doesn’t quite cut it for fitness, but I’m excited to give it my best!” Paul is looking forward to surfing in El Salvador again “I am definitely stoked to be in the team again. It will be great to return to El Salvador as it’s familiar territory now, and it feels good to have an idea of what to expect. It’s awesome to have Hannah on the team again too! For training, I’ve been trying to surf as much as I can, though the conditions at the Mount have been a bit flat recently, so I’ve been substituting with other exercise. It’s great to have the Single Fin Mingle and West End Wiggle events as warm-ups before we head over. I can’t wait to head over, surf in warm water, and hopefully improve on our team result from last year!” The men’s division will see first-time team member Janes representing New Zealand alongside 19-year-old Jack Tyro “This is my first time making the NZ team, and I’m so stoked to be heading over in a few weeks! I’ve never been to El Salvador before," said Janes "I’m really looking forward to surfing a new right-hand break. I’m in Noosa at the moment training on the points and in the gym, focusing on bigger, more powerful waves to prepare for the right-hander at El Sunzal. I can’t wait to compete!” New Zealand has placed 17th in the last two ISA World Longboard events, Surfing New Zealand Longboard Team for El Salvador, April 25 - May 1, 2025: Men’s Longboard Division Jack Tyro (Christchurch) Oliver Janes (Auckland) Women’s Longboard Division Gabi Paul (Piha) Hannah Kohn (Gisborne)

Gary Stead has stepped away from whte ball coaching of the Black Caps and is undecided on Test matches PHOTO: LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY Gary Stead is yet to decide if he will reapply for the role of Black Caps Test coach, but has confirmed his decision to step away from the white ball formats. Stead was first appointed to the position in 2018 following the resignation of Mike Hesson, and has twice had his contract renewed: in 2020, and in 2023 – the latter term expiring in June this year. LATEST HEADLINES: Four named for Athletics Champs Bertschinger NZ Floorball coach Ben Hunt wins tight Otago Rally title Football Ferns v Chinese Taipei off Phoenix first A-League win since Jan Stead steered the Black Caps to the inaugural World Test Championship title in 2021, and to an unprecedented 3-nil Test series sweep of India on the sub-continent last year, has formally signalled his intention to step down from ODI and T20I role. “I’m looking forward to getting away from touring life for a while and having a think about my future,” said Stead. “My focus has been on finishing the season strongly with a lesser experienced team. “The past six to seven months has been particularly busy with relatively non-stop cricket action since September. “I now want to evaluate my options but still feel I have coaching left in me, albeit not as Head Coach across all formats. “The next month will give me the opportunity to discuss the situation more with my wife, family and others. “I’ll be in a better position to know whether I want to reapply for the Test coaching position after this time of reflection.” NZC Chief High Performance Officer Bryan Stronach said Stead deserved the opportunity to take some time out over his decision. “Gary’s results have been very impressive over a long period and we’re very comfortable giving him some time to collect his thoughts and mull things over,” said Stronach. “At the moment we haven’t any strong preference for either a split-coaching role or a sole appointment who covers all three formats, and we’re unlikely to be clearer on that until we see who’s putting their name forward.” Advertising for the position, both in full and/or in part, will commence shortly.

Michaela Brake runs away for a try in the Black Ferns title win in Singapore PHOTO: SVNS SERIES The Black Ferns have beaten Australia 31-7 in the women's final of the Singapoe Sevens with another win of Australia. New Zealand prevented Australia's attacking threats to add the SVNS Singapore title to the League Winners crown they won on day one at the National Stadium. LATEST HEADLINES: Maxwell 2nd in MTB World Series debut Liam Lawson down order at Japanes GP Tyler Wood big win at NZ Stroke Play Ten Have bronze Princess Sofia Regatta Reynolds, Watt runners-up, Routliffe final Michaela Brake (nee Blayde) and Risi Pouri-Lane had the Black Ferns Sevens 12 points to the good but Australia won a turnover when New Zealand had the chance to end the first half and Maddison Levi raced over the line. Australia could not get through the black line again, though, with three players at one point required to halt Levi. Jazmin Felix-Hotham kicked on and caught the ball to score before Kelsey Teneti, on as a substitute, made it 24-7. Levi caused the crowd to gasp in wonder when she made a saving challenge on Teneti, ripped the ball and launched an attack in one flowing move, but even her superpowers could not prevent Brake making sure of top spot yet again with her second try of the final. HSBC Player of the Final Risi Pouri-Lane said: "It’s been an awesome couple of weeks for us. They (Australia) are full of talent and the girls are still young.It is awesome to come up against them because we know they are always going to bring it to us." Winning captain Sarah Hirini said she was "stoked for this group". "Everyone knows when you win the title and win the tournament at the same time it’s an even greater feeling," Hirini added. "We all love what we do. We know how grateful we are to be in this position." In the men's tournament Fiji beat Kenya 21-12 while the All Black Sevens lost 24-22 to Great Britain and 21-19 to Ireland on the final day to finish eighth.

Liam Lawson started well but fell off the pace after a pit stop PHOTO: FORMULA 1 New Zealand's Liam Lawson has finished 17th at the Japanese Grand Prix, with Max Verstappen winning for Red Bull. For a large chunk of the race Lawson was in the top-10, but a late pit stop saw him plummet down the order and then he was overtaken by Carlos Sainz on a track which is notorious for a lack of space. LATEST HEADLINES: Tyler Wood big win at NZ Stroke Play Ten Have bronze Princess Sofia Regatta Reynolds, Watt runners-up, Routliffe final Blues, Crusaders win, Highlanders loss Auckland City held to draw in OFC league He was instructed to take a pit stop with 19 of the 53 laps remaining and it didn't go to plan changing to soft tyres.. McLaren claimed the other two spots on the podium, with Lando Norris finishing second and Oscar Piastri third at the Suzuka International Circuit. Yuki Tsunoda, who replaced Lawson on the Red Bull team finished in 12th place. Lando Norris was second behind Verstappen with Oscar Piastri third and Charles Leclerc fourth. After a couple of good practice rounds - 13th, fifth and 12th Lawson, 23 will be even more frustrated as he heads to Bahrain for next weekend's racing.