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The action starts in Otago as several names challenge for the New Zealand Rally Championship title. PHOTO: GEOFF RIDDER The 2025 New Zealand Rally Championship starts this weekend with the Otago Rally and the overall title the most open in recent history. WRC star Hayden Paddon will compete in selective rounds of the championship paving the way for the best domestic competitors to go all out for the gold star. LATEST HEADLINES: Routliffe semis, Watts, Reynolds win Duffy top of ICC T20I bowling rankings Rams shoot to road win over Airs in NBL Auckland City advance to OFC semifinals Late Black Caps batting wins second ODI Defending champion Ben Hunt starts as favourite in his Skoda New Zealand Fabia Rally 2 but a number of other contenders are set to mount a valid challenge of the three-time national champion. Hunt has proven to be fast and consistent in recent years, rarely making mistakes. That should see him start the season as the clear favourite but a number of others can put up a compelling case. Jack Hawkeswood is the most recent round winner on the entry list, having topped the podium at Otago Rally in 2024 and returns with his Hawkeswood Mining Toyota Yaris AP4 aiming to repeat that performance. Cantabrian Robbie Stokes demonstrated speed and a maturity in driving over the first half of the 2024 campaign and he returns this year with a factory-built Skoda Fabia Rally 2 car of his own, that should immediately catapult him into title consideration. Younger brother Jack Stokes – who impressed in NZRC 2WD last year – will take over the steering wheel of the Stokes Motorsport Ford Fiesta AP4 and should not be discounted. Dunedin local Emma Gilmour’s second half form in 2024 should see her enter the campaign with her best shot at winning a national title in her more than two-decade long career. The Vantage New Zealand Citroen driver showcased renewed speed as she got more seat time in the car and will be desperate to put on a good showing at her home event. Josh Marston returns to the championship after a season off and should immediately find himself in the mix in his RDL Holden Barina AP4. Kingsley Jones is another to make a return to the championship, piloting his Auckland Denture Clinic Skoda Fabia R5 car that nephew Zeal Jones did so well in last year. Auckland’s Haydn Mackenzie is another dark horse – he is set for a full campaign in the Albany Toyota Yaris AP4.

Mitch Hay finished 99 not out in the big win over Pakistan in the second ODI. PHOTO: DAVE LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY The Black Caps have won the ODI against Pakistan with a match to spare, taking the second match by 84 runs thanks mainly to a 99 not out by keeper Mitch Hay. Pakistan decided to field first and the Black Caps initally looked good as the top to middle order all made starts. The lowest score being 17 by captain Michael Bracewell. LATEST HEADLINES: Tactix confirm Pedersen 2025 captain Wagner ends on high as ND win title Mark Chapman ruled out of 2nd ODI Surf Club Champs to Whangamata Team NZ no America's Cup in NZ For the home side there was only Daryl Mitchell and Henry Nicholls who could be regarded as real senior members of the side with Bracewell only playing just over 30 ODI games in his career. Debutant Rhys Mariu made 18 and Nick Kelly 31 at the top of the order while Nicholls looked solid for 22 and Mitchell 18 before being stumped. Hay was superb in the way he started slow and built the innings with Mummad Abbas for a 77 run partnershi. Abbas made 41 in just his second game after 52 in game one a few days earlier. For Hay it was a career-high in just his sixth ODI. His 99 not out came in 78 balls with seven sixes and seven fours smashing plenty of runs in the last few overs for a total of 292-8, a figure which was looking a long way off when Abbas was dismissed at 209 in the 40th over. The third highest score for New Zealand was 32 by the new batter, extras as the visitors bowlers continued to be wayward Pakistan were then all out in the 42 over for 208 runs. with the only scoring of note coming from Faheem Ashraf with 73 and No 10 Naseem Shah with 51 from 44 balls. Ben Sears finished with 5-59 from 9.2 overs, his first ODI wickets. Jacob Duffy was next best with 3-35 from eight and Will O'Rourke and Nathan Smith took one each. The third and final ODI is Saturday at Mt Maunganui.

Jacob Duffy top of the ICC T20I rankings PHOTO: DJ MILLS/LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY Black Caps bowler Jacob Duffy has claimed the top spot in the ICC Men’s T20I Bowling Rankings as of April 1. Duffy played a useful part in his team’s comprehensive victory in the last match against Pakistan in Wellington for a 4-1 series result. LATEST HEADLINES: Rams shoot to road win over Airs in NBL Auckland City advance to OFC semifinals Late Black Caps batting wins second ODI Tactix confirm Pedersen as 2025 captain Neil Wagner ends on high as ND win title The Otago cricketer displaced West Indies spinner Akeal Hosein from the top spot. Duffy is the only New Zeaalander in the top 20. Ben Sears has also moved up 21 spots to 46th position among bowlers while Tim Seifert has achieved a career-best-equalling eighth position among batters after smashing an unbeaten 97 off 38 balls with six fours and 10 sixes. His opening partner Finn Allen has pushed up one spot to 15th. Mark Chapman’s match-winning 132 off 111 deliveries with 13 fours and six sixes has helped him advance 24 places to 78th position while Pakistan batter Salman Agha has moved up six places to 37th after a knock of 58. New Zealand fast bowlers William O’Rourke (up 15 places to 56th) and Duffy (up 14 places to 95th) have also moved up the list. Daryl Mitchell is the best of the New Zealand batters in the ODI rankings at sixth with Mitchell Santner second. Kane Williamson is second on the test batting rankings.

Shaun Stevenson will play his 100th game for the Chiefs as they host the Reds in Super Rugby Pacific round eight PHOTO: CRAIG BUTLAND/LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY Round eight of Super Rugby Pacific could prove to be crucial for more than one team as form and consistency goes on the line. The weekend starts as Shaun Stevenson plays his 100th game for the Chiefs, starting at fullback for Friday night's top-of-the-table clash with the Reds in Hamilton. LATEST HEADLINES: Auckland City claim OFC semi spot Late Black Caps batting wins 2nd ODI Tactix confirm Pedersen 2025 captain Wagner ends on high as ND win title Mark Chapman ruled out of 2nd ODI Jahrome Brown and Quinn Tupaea are back in the starting line-up, with Brodie McAlister at hooker ahead All Black Samisoni Taukei'aho. Chiefs v Reds, Friday 4 April, 7.05pm at FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton Chiefs: Shaun Stevenson, Emoni Narawa, Daniel Rona, Quinn Tupaea, Leroy Carter, Damian McKenzie, Cortez Ratima; Luke Jacobson (capt), Jahrome Brown, Simon Parker, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, George Dyer, Brodie McAlister, Ollie Norris. Reserves: Samisoni Taukei'aho, Aidan Ross, Reuben O'Neill, Tupou Vaa'i, Samipeni Finau, Xavier Roe, Josh Jacomb, Gideon Wrampling. Moana Pasifika play the Waratahs with Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa at the back of the scrum and Ardie Savea on the while Kyren Tamoufolau comes back onto the wing.. Moana Pasifika are now 2-4 this season after their biggest win of their existence, over the Crusaders in Christchurch this week. The battered bodies need to back up for the early afternoon home game against the Waratahs who they have beaten the past two years. Moana Pasifika v Waratahs, Saturday 5 April, 2.05pm North Harbour Stadium Moana Pasifika: William Havili, Kyren Taumoefolau, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Danny Toala, Solomon Alaimalo, Patrick Pellegrini, Jonathan Taumateine; Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Ardie Savea (capt), Semisi Paea, Allan Craig, Sam Slade, Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou, Millennium Sanerivi, Tito Tuipulotu. Reserves: Sama Malolo, Abraham Pole, Chris Apoua, Tom Savage, Ola Tauelangi, Melani Matavao, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Fine Inisi. The Crusaders have made chances after their loss to Moana last week and are away to the Drua in Fiji where they struggle. Sevu Reece starts at centre for the first time as David Havili (Achilles) and Braydon Ennor (hamstring) are out and Levi Aumu is struggling Scott Barrett is on a rest week, replaced by Tahlor Cahill at lock andQuinten Strange returns from a long injury break to back up on the bench. Noah Hotham keeps his spot as the starting halfback, with Kyle Preston out of the squad. Fijian Drua v Crusaders, Saturday 5 April, 4.35pm at ANZ Stadium, Suva Crusaders: Will Jordan, Chay Fihaki, Sevu Reece, Dallas McLeod, Macca Springer, Taha Kemara, Noah Hotham; Christian Lio-Willie, Tom Christie, Corey Kellow, Antonio Shalfoon, Tahlor Cahill, Seb Calder, Codie Taylor (capt), George Bower. Reserves: Ioane Moananu, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Fletcher Newell, Quinten Strange, Ethan Blackadder, Mitch Drummond, James O'Connor, Levi Aumua. The Blues have named Beauden Barrett and Patrick Tuipulotu to start for their game against the Hurricanes, but they still have to pass fit a tthe final training. There is positivity in the squash as with the return of Kurt Eklund, Ricky Riccitelli, AJ Lam, Anton Segner and Adrian Choat to add some depth to a side which has lacked direction at times. For the Hurricanes lock Zach Gallagher is out for at least four weeks with a hamstring injury, and is replaced in the run-on side by Isaia Walker-Leawere. Counties Manukau veteran Riley Hohepa continues at No 10 after coming in last week for an injured Harry Godfrey, while Peter Lakai, Du’Plessis Kirifi and Brayden form the loose forward trio. Blues v Hurricanes, Saturday 5 April, 7.05pm at Eden Park, Auckland Blues: Corey Evans, Mark Tele’a, Rieko Ioane, AJ Lam, Caleb Clarke, Beauden Barrett, Finlay Christie; Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papali’i, Anton Segner, Josh Beehre, Patrick Tuioulotu (capt), Marcel Renata, Kurt Eklund, Joshua Fusitu’a. Reserves: Ricky Riccitelli, Mason Tupaea, Angus Ta’avao, Cameron Suafoa, Adrian Choat, Sam Nock, Xavi Taele, Stephen Perofeta. Hurricanes: Ruben Love, Ngatungane Punivai, Bailyn Sullivan, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Kini Naholo, Riley Hohepa, Cam Roigard; Peter Lakai, Du’Plessis Kirifi (co-capt), Brayden Iose, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Caleb Delany, Tyrel Lomax, Asafo Aumua (co-capt), Xavier Numia. Reserves: Jacob Devery, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Pasilio Tosi, Will Tucker, Brad Shields, Ereatara Enari, Callum Harkin, Fatafehi Fineanganofo. All Blacks prop Ethan de Groot returns to the Highlanders' starting lineup trying to steem the flow of scrum penalties that have effectively cost them in the last two games. Back-up prop Josh Bartlett retains his place on the bench, with Daniel Lienert-Brown dropping out of the 23. Sam Gilbert is at fullback and set to cover first five if needed during the match. Force v Highlanders, 5 Saturday, 9.35pm at HBF Park, Perth Highlanders: Sam Gilbert, Caleb Tangitau, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Timoci Tavatavanawai (capt), Jona Nareki, Taine Robinson, Nathan Hastie; Sean Withy, Veveni Lasaqa, Te Kamaka Howden, Mitch Dunshea, Fabian Holland, Saula Ma'u, Soane Vikena, Ethan de Groot. Reserves: Jack Taylor, Josh Bartlett, Sefo Kautai, Will Stodart, Michael Loft, Adam Lennox, Tanielu Tele'a, Michael Manson.

Three-point shooting was the difference as the Canterbury Rams took down the Taranaki Airs in New Plymouth. The Wheeler Motor Company Rams hit 14 triples to the Steelformers Airs' two in their runaway 87-71 win at TSB Stadium on Wednesday night to tip-off Week 4 of the National Basketball League (NBL). LATEST HEADLINES: Auckland City advance to OFC semifinals Late Black Caps batting wins second ODI Tactix confirm Pedersen as 2025 captain Neil Wagner ends on high as ND win title Team NZ says no to America's Cup in NZ Tama Isaac and Max Darling, both recent Tall Blacks, starred off the bench for the two-time defending Sal's NBL champions. Isaac scored a team-high 18 points (6/14 FG, 3/4 3pt), with three assists, while Darling, an NZ Breakers forward, had 14 points (5/8 FG, 4/7 3pt) and six rebounds, helping spur the Rams clear in the third quarter. Australian big Kyle Bowen put up 13 points (5/11 FG), nine boards, three steals and two blocks, Tall Blacks forward Tohi Smith Milner 13 points (5/12 FG, 3/10 3pt) and nine rebounds, and Taylor Britt 11 points, six boards and 13 assists. Canterbury Rams guard Taylor Britt had 11 points, six rebounds and 13 assists in the win over the Airs. PHOTO: NBL Australian centre Harry Froling led four Airs players in double-digits, with 19 points (8/19 FG) and 15 rebounds, supported by 18 points (6/15 FG, 6/10 FT), 12 boards and three assists from Kiwi forward Carlin Davison. American guard Armon Fletcher added 16 points (3/12 FG, 9/9 FT), five boards and three steals, and Kiwi big Jack Andrew 12 points (5/8 FG), eight rebounds and two blocks, for Taranaki, who hit just 2-of-21 three-point attempts. The Rams, who hit 14-of-37 from deep, took the lead for good midway through the first period and extended the gap to 10-plus points in the second. Taranaki closed within six points on four occasions in the third period but Canterbury uncorked a 22-6 run either side of three-quarter time, including eight points from Isaac, to take a 22-point lead and put the game away. The Rams (4-1) are off for a week, before travelling to Pukekohe to face the Franklin Bulls (4-1) next Wednesday (tip-off 7pm), while the Airs (3-2) take on the Nelson Giants (0-4) at the Trafalgar Centre on Saturday (tip-off 3pm). The Rams swept the night, with Jake Holmes, Ihaka Cate and Mana Martin all scoring in double figures for a 46-32 win over the Airs in the Sky Broadband Rapid League game. Canterbury Rams 87 (Tama Isaac 18, Max Darling 14, Kyle Bowen 13, Tohi Smith-Milner 13, Taylor Britt 11) Taranaki Airs 71 (Harry Froling 19, Carlin Davison 18, Armon Fletcher 16, Jack Andrew 12). 1Q: 23-16, HT: 44-37, 3Q: 69-54

Celebration for Auckland City FC as they sealed their place in the OFC Champions League semis PHOTO: OFC//PHOTEK Goals in either half have helped Auckland City FC to a 2-0 victory over AS Tiga Sport at Lawson Tama Stadium, The win confirmed their place in the semi-finals of the OFC Men's Champions League 2025 with one group stage game still to play. Dylan Manickum scored his second goal of the competition halfway through the opening stanza, before Haris Zeb wrapped up the three points late in injury-time. LATEST HEADLINES: Late Black Caps batting wins 2nd ODI Tactix confirm Pedersen 2025 captain Wagner ends on high as ND win title Mark Chapman ruled out of 2nd ODI Surf Club Champs to Whangamata In contrast to the sunshine of the day's earlier Group A fixture in Honiara, a thunderstorm greeted the two teams at the start of the match. Auckland City got the ball rolling, but it proved a false start, with both sides pulled from the field after six minutes for lightning in the surrounding area. Play resumed shortly after, and it didn’t take long for the Navy Blues to implement their style on the match, forcing Tiga onto the back foot. A well-executed set-piece play put City ahead after 24 minutes, as Myer Bevan found Dylan Manickum in the box who tucked the ball past Thomas Schmidt on his right foot to open the scoring. Bevan almost doubling the lead seconds later, striking the top right corner of the crossbar after latching onto a pass in-behind Tiga’s defence. The 12-time champions tried to be direct but struggled for a way through Tiga’s compact defensive unit as the opening stanza wore on allowing the New Caledonian outfit to consolidate heading towards the half-time break. Tiga made an effort to come out of their shells at the start of the second half, pressing forward more often than they managed in the first. They struggled to get captain Shene Welepane into the action up front though, slowing the pace of the contest right down. Both coaches, Paul Posa and Léonardo Lopez, tried to switch it up with a couple of changes apiece. And Haris Zeb got involved for Auckland City FC straight away, whipping a delivery into the box that Bevan couldn’t quite head towards goal. Bevan turned provider soon after, only for Manickum to poke an effort just w ide of the left post from close range. The nail in the coffin finally came in the fourth minute of injury-time, when Tiga failed to deal with a delivery into the box from Matt Ellis, allowing Zeb to volley the ball into the top of the net from close range for City's second goal. Auckland City FC will now look to wrap up top spot in Group A when they face Rewa FC on the final matchday, whilst Tiga Sport have a crucial clash with AS Pirae to decide who will join the Navy Blues in the semi-finals. Auckland City FC 2 (Dylan Manickum, Haris Zeb) AS Tiga Sport 0, HT 1-0

Erikana Pedersen has been named Tactix captain for 2025 PHOTO: TACTIX SUPPLIED/QUALITY ANTICS The Tactix named regular wing attack Erikana Pedersen as their 2025 ANZ Premiership captain with with Karin Burger as vice-captain. The captains represent a changing of the guard for the Mainland team which is coached by Donna Wilkins. The 2024 captain Kimiora Poi has moved to the Southern Steel. LATEST HEADLINES: Wagner ends on high as ND win title Mark Chapman ruled out of 2nd ODI Surf Club Champs to Whangamata Team NZ no America's Cup in NZ Rojas released from Phoenix contract Pedersen is focused on creating an environment where all players feel seen and heard and confident in themselves on and off the court. “It’s an honour to lead this team this season. I’m really looking forward to growing the legacy of the red and black dress alongside my sisters,” she said. Having retired at the end of 2021 after seven seasons for the Tactix, Pedersen joined the Pulse in 2022 as an injury replacement and answered the call to return home to the Tactix in 2024. Pedersen will lead the Tactix from mid-court, her 10 season legacy applied to her captain’s strategy for 2025. “Last year we came so close yet there were critical moments we let slip,” she said. “I’m hoping that this season we can learn from this and that we can all step up when these moments are presented to us again.” Vice-captain Karin Burger returns for a fifth season with the Tactix, having played in the Silver Ferns squad since 2018 and the Fast5 Netball World Series. Her outstanding form in the black dress at the end of last year is a pointer to her influence on and off court in the Tactix. For Tactix coach Donna Wilkins, she knew team buy-in was guaranteed and the captains would rally the players, especially during tough times on the court. “Erikana and Karin are very experienced players and great leaders; they know the Tactix environment that they live and breathe and our team expectations and values,” Wilkins said. All squad players voted for their preferred leader, which Wilkins said is crucial to ensure buy-in from the team, but she expects leadership to extend beyond the captaincies. “It was very clear in the vote that Erikana and Karin would be take the letters in 2025, but I expect all players to step-up and take leadership opportunities on the court.” The 2025 ANZ Premiership season begins May 10 with the Tactix taking on the Southern Steel, in Christchurch May 11.

Neil Wagner was a servant of Otago, New Zealand and Northern Districts cricket PHOTO: LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY Northern Districts have won the Plunket Shield for the first time since 2012, and given Neil Wagner a send off with a 134-run victory over Otago at Dunedin's University Oval Northern Districts bowler Wagner concluded his domestic career at the same ground where he started in 2008 for Otago against ND. He moved north for the 2018/19 season. LATEST HEADLINES: Mark Chapman ruled out of 2nd ODI Surf Club Champs to Whangamata Team NZ no America's Cup in NZ Rojas released from Phoenix contract No titles for Kiwi golfers in United States Wagner heads to Durham Cricket this year, as a hero of the New Zealand international and domestic scene. The final round of the domestic four-day competition was a must-win for ND, with anything other than an outright win handing the Shield to either Canterbury or Wellington. ND captain Jeet Raval had won the Shield three times before with Auckland and Central Districts, but for many of his teammates - including Wagner - this was their first time. "It's a massive relief, to be honest," said Raval "We came very close last year and we were disappointed not to get our hands on it. "This year, I think we played amazing cricket, we've been the best team in the competition, so nice to come away with the Shield." After the win, Wagner shed a few tears during a guard of honour and Raval said that was a reflection of the years of hard work his teammate had put in. "[He was] lionhearted and the way he bowled today, charging in over after over, bouncer after bouncer and just not giving in, and just the kind of cricketer he turned himself into, epitomises what he is about as a player and what a team man he has been. His first Plunket Shield in 17 years is a nice way for him to bow out." Entering the final day, ND needed seven wickets and the Volts required 287 runs for victory. Wagner took four wickets in the first session to secure a five-wicket bag and young seamer Josh Brown helped with two more wickets. The final wicket fell before lunch, with Henry Cooper's spin delivering the winning scalp. Otago needed a concussion substitute, when Andrew Hazeldine went down off Wagner's bowling, with Ben Lockrose coming to the crease to replace him. Earlier, Northern Districts batted first and made 411/7 declared, with Joe Carter top-scoring on 138 and Scott Kuggeleijn hitting the fastest first-class 50. Hazeldine took three wickets. In reply, Dean Foxcroft was Otago's topscorer with 54 runs, including eight fours, when they were dismissed for 145. Raval's spin snared four wickets. ND then scored 140 in 11 overs, before declaring with two wickets down to set up a chance to win the title. Wagner took 5/53.

Marco Rojas and the Wellington Phoenix has agreed to depart ways PHOTO: WELLINGTON PHOENIX Marco Rojas and the Wellington Phoenix have agreed to cut short his second stint at the club, with the remaining three months of his one-year contract terminated by mutual consent. The skilful forward, who started his decorated professional career in Wellington in 2009, has been limited to seven appearances for the Nix in his return season, of which only two were starts. LATEST HEADLINES: No titles for Kiwi golfers in United States Tuatara, Rams dominate Giants, Saints McKenzie re-signs with Chiefs, NZ Rugby Metcalf stars as NZ Warriors see off Tigers Melville Ives claims freeski halfpipe crown Rojas still managed to provide reminders of his talent and he is second only to Hideki Ishige on the team’s assists tally this campaign. An ankle injury sidelined him for nine matches from late December to mid-February and he has featured in just three games since. Rojas was an unused substitute for the 2-2 draw with Western Sydney Wanderers at Sky Stadium on Saturday, having been keenly involved in the Match For Good to raise funds and awareness for Ronald McDonald House Charities New Zealand. Phoenix director of football Shaun Gill has thanked Marco Rojas for his contribution to the club, on and off the pitch. “We’re all disappointed we didn’t get to see the best of Marco in a Phoenix shirt,” said Gill said. “Injuries are an unfortunate part of football and they curtailed his involvement this season. “Even though it’s been brief, it’s been great to see Marco back in Wellington where his football career began and we wish him all the best for the future.”

Team New Zealand in action on the Hauraki Gulf won't defend the America's Cup in New Zealand PHOTO: TEAM NEW ZEALAND Not enough dollars, mean's no defence in Auckland, that's the word form Team New Zealand in a statement released on Tuesday. Team New Zealand and the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron explained they had been working with various parties, but central government was unable to come to up with the funding needed. LATEST HEADLINES: Rojas released from Phoenix contract No titles for Kiwi golfers in United States Tuatara, Rams dominate Giants, Saints McKenzie re-signs with Chiefs, NZ Rugby Metcalf stars as NZ Warriors see off Tigers "We've been exploring he possibility of hosting the 38th America's Cup in the city, with the understanding it would take a combination of private backing, local government and central government support to make it happen, but not at the expense of funding other priorities in the tough economic climate". However it appears the funding wanted wasn't enough after the government declined to put in the funding required. Team New Zealand said it's disappointed but understands why the government has made its decision. "The team have had comfort in the level of private support and have been working with Tātaki Auckland Unlimited who have been proactively spearheading the bid. So, it is with both disappointment and understanding to hear MBIE and Central Government have decided not to back the 38th America's Cup in Auckland in 2027. "While the significant economic benefits of hosting the America's Cup and other major events are well proven, such as $1.9 billion of economic benefits in Barcelona in 2024, we understand there are other priorities for the New Zealand Government right now." Team New Zealand successfully defended their America's Cup title in Barcelona last year. Auckland Council's Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU) also released a statement confirming that Auckland won't host Team New Zealand's next defence of the America's Cup. "The America's Cup is a fantastic sporting event that provides significant benefits to the host city and country, so it is with great disappointment that Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU) confirms that Auckland is unable to proceed with a bid to host the next America's Cup 38 in 2027. "Auckland's bid was contingent on a three-way funding partnership between Auckland Council, central government and the private sector. MBIE has informed TAU that the government is unable provide the funds required and on that basis the bid cannot proceed. "The TAU team has worked incredibly hard to try and make this opportunity work for Auckland; we already have the infrastructure and major events expertise in place and really wanted to be able to host our sailors on home waters." However Auckland Council said it wo uld support hosting any future America's Cup events in the region.

Reigning champions the Bay Boardrider are aiming for three in a row PHOTO: SURFING NZ/CPL New Zealand’s top boardrider clubs will battle it out this weekend for national bragging rights and a chance to represent the country on the world stage. The New Zealand Boardrider Club Championships takes place at Whangamata Beach with a field comprising twelve boardrider clubs looking to represent New Zealand at the Usher Cup World Club Challenge on the Gold Coast. LATEST HEADLINES: Team NZ no America's Cup in NZ Rojas released from Phoenix contract No titles for Kiwi golfers in United States Tuatara, Rams dominate Giants, Saints McKenzie re-signs with Chiefs, NZ Rugby The New Zealand Boardrider Club Championships is a highlight of the domestic surfing calendar combining team surfing with individual results, bringing out the best in club comradery. Bay Boardriders will be out to defend their title after a much-celebrated win in 2023 and 2024. The win saw them head to the Usher Cup, the second team to ever represent New Zealand at the event. With clubs across New Zealand growing in strengths every year it is expected that the 2025 Boardrider Club Championships will be bigger than ever with Point Boardriders (2022 Champions) and Keyhole Boardriders (2021) eager to get back on the podium after their earlier successes. The tag team format is the essence of the New Zealand Boardrider Club Championships and involves all five surfers in the team going out and catching two waves in succession.  A win in the tag team component of the event is worth 50 percent of the points up for grabs and ultimately decides the champion club.  Competition kicks off at 8am Saturday 5 April at Access 8, the Esplanade, Whangamata Beach.

The hero from the first ODI Mark Chapman is out injured for the second game against Pakistan PHOTO: ICC An injury enforced abscence for Black Caps batter Mark Chapman in the second ODI against Pakistan in Hamilton on Wednesday. Chapman sustained a hamstring injury while fielding during the first ODI in Napier and a subsequent MRI scan revealed a grade one tear which will require a short period of rehabilitation. LATEST HEADLINES: Surf Club Champs to Whangamata Team NZ no America's Cup in NZ Rojas released from Phoenix contract No titles for Kiwi golfers in United States Tuatara, Rams dominate Giants, Saints The Auckland batter, who scored a career-best 132 in the series opener at McLean Park, will return home for rehab with the aim to be available for the third and final ODI at Bay Oval on Saturday. T20 batter-wicketkeeper Tim Seifert replaces Chapman in the squad in Hamilton. Seifert joins the squad off the back of a T20I series against Pakistan where he topped the run scoring charts with 249 runs, averaging 62. Coach Gary Stead said the injury was unfortunate for Chapman and the team. "We're thankful that the hamstring injury is only minor, so we're hopeful that Mark will be able to complete his rehabilitation and be available for the final match of the summer in the Mount." While ODI squad selection preference was given to players on full national and domestic contracts, Stead said Seifert's recent form had warranted his selection. "With several new faces in this squad, it's great to be able to call on a player of Tim's experience," he said. "He's in good form after a great T20 series and he provides another strong top-order batting option heading into an important match." New Zealand lead the three match ODI series 1-0 after earlier winning the T20 series 4-1.