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Jake Meenhorst toasts his victory at the NZ Super 6s on the Charles Tour. PHOTO: DAVE LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY New Zealand golfer Jake Meenhorst took the long path to victory at the Charles Tour's NZ Super 6s. Aucklander Meenhorst had to survive 30 holes of match-play at the season-opening strokeplay/match-play hybrid tournament to claim victory at the Manawatu Golf Club in Palmerston North on Sunday. LATEST HEADLINES: Aumua re-signs with Hurricanes and NZ Rugby International mountain biking at Coronet Peak Whai pull away from Nuggets for NBL victory Ruthe the youngest sub-four-minute runner Blues injuries vs Crusaders; Chiefs still strong After three rounds of strokeplay, Meenhorst was the No 19 seed for the unique knockout phase, which featured six-hole match-play contests, meaning he had to win five matches to lift the trophy. His path to victory was anything but easy for Meenhorst, who took down Nathan Clark, 2024 runner-up Jayden Ford, James Hydes, last year's champion Tyler Hodge and Dominic Brettkelly. It was a statement performance from the Tara Iti cadet, who now sets his sights on upcoming Pro-Am events in Whangarei as he looks to continue his rise on the New Zealand professional circuit. Over the first three rounds, players battled through traditional 18-hole strokeplay, with the top-24 advancing to Sunday’s showdown. The early rounds saw low scores and shifting leads, with Dongwoo Kang, Cameron Harlock, and Jared Edwards trading places at the top. But as the wind picked up and conditions changed on Saturday, the leaderboard tightened, setting the stage for a tense finale. In a clutch moment, Edwards drained a birdie on the 54th hole to claim the No 1 seed heading into Sunday. From the opening rounds, upsets rocked the competition, with Steven Oh eliminating early tournament leader Kang. One of the most dramatic clashes came when Edwards and Cameron Jones went to three extra playoff holes before Edwards prevailed.

Hooker Asafo Aumua will remain with the Hurricanes until after the 2027 season. PHOTO: DAVE LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY Hooker Asafo Aumua has recommitted to the Hurricanes and New Zealand Rugby until the end of 2027. The 68-cap Hurricanes player debuted for the side in 2018 against the Crusaders after his 2017 breakout NPC season with the Wellington Lions. LATEST HEADLINES: International mountain biking at Coronet Peak Whai pull away from Nuggets for NBL victory Ruthe the youngest sub-four-minute runner Blues injuries vs Crusaders; Chiefs still strong Black Ferns legend says no to Women's RWC The 27-year-old has represented New Zealand for Secondary Schools, Under-20s and the All Blacks, making his test debut in 2021 and playing 20 matches to date, including all 14 tests in 2024. Known for being a brutal rampaging hooker, he is one of the best ball-runners in the game. “It’s pretty special playing with my brothers and playing for my city, so I’m excited to extend my time here with the Hurricanes," Aumua said. “This is big news for the Hurricanes. So excited to have Asafo sign on for a few more years," said Hurricanes head coach Clarke Laidlaw. "We saw last year, when he got that consistency of game time and preparation, just how good of a rugby player he is. “He’s a dynamic ball carrier and attacker, destructive defender but for us, he’s also maturing into a good leader. “This year he is one of our captains and he has the ability now to influence others and the environment through his maturity and consistency. It’s great to have him re-sign with the Hurricanes and New Zealand Rugby.”

The Tauranga Whai have surged to their second home win of the National Basketball League (NBL) season. The Whai hit 13 three-pointers in their 97-82 victory over the Night 'n' Day Otago Nuggets in Week 2 of the Sal's NBL at Mercury Baypark in Mount Maunganui on Wednesday night. LATEST HEADLINES: Ruthe the youngest sub-four-minute runner Blues injuries vs Crusaders; Chiefs still strong Black Ferns legend says no to Women's RWC Webster pilots Jets to NBL victory over Airs NZ Warriors stick with winning combination Former Tall Blacks guard Kruz Perrott-Hunt put an equal-team-high 25 points (9/18 FG, 4/11 3pt), five rebounds, four assists and two steals, while import point guard Chris Jones matched him with 25 points (7/16 FG, 10/11 FT), six boards, three assists and three steals. Australian forward Sean Bairstow, an NZ Breakers player, almost had a triple-double, finishing with eight points, nine rebounds and eight assists, alongside two steals. Two local products, power forward Carter Hopoi and shooting guard Xanda Marsters, also scored in double-digits. Hopoi added 16 points (6/9 FG, 2/2 3pt) and Marsters 16 points (4/8 FG, 4/8 3pt, 4/4 FT), four boards and four assists off the bench. Kruz Perrott-Hunt posted an equal-team-high 25 points for the Tauranga Whai. PHOTO: NBL/BBALL FILMS NZ For the Nuggets, their three imports - Jose Perez, Donald Carey Jr and Todd Withers - combined for 67 of their 82 points. Perez accounted for a game-high 26 points (7/15 FG, 12/17 FT), 10 rebounds and three assists, while guard Carey Jr put up 23 points (7/21 FG, 3/12 3pt, 6/7 FT), five boards and four assists in his first NBL game. Recently-added Withers, a key part of the Nuggets' 2022 NBL championship team, had 18 points (5/16 FG, 3/6 3pt, 5/5 FT) and eight rebounds. The Whai (2-1) remain at home to host the Auckland Tuatara (0-1) on Tuesday (tip-off 7pm), while the Nuggets (0-2) head to Napier to take on the Hawke's Bay Hawks (2-0) on Friday (tip-off 7.30pm). The Whai swept the night, with a 39-26 victory in the Sky Broadband Rapid League game. Marsters put up 13 points and Te Tuhi Lewis 10, while Christian Martin had 12 points for the Nuggets. Tauranga Whai 97 (Kruz Perrott-Hunt 25, Chris Jones 25, Carter Hopoi 16, Xanda Marsters 16) Otago Nuggets 82 (Jose Perez 26, Donald Carey Jr 23, Todd Withers 18). 1Q: 21-20, HT: 55-48, 3Q: 77-65

Sam Tanner (left) checks on Sam Ruthe (in black) going sub-four minutes with Ben Wall third PHOTO: MICHAEL DAWSON/ATHLETICS NZ Bay of Plenty teen Sam Ruthe has become the youngest person to break four minutes for the mile, with a 3m 58.35s run at Mt Smart Stadium. Paced throughout by training partner and two-time Olympian Sam Tanner, Ruthe became the first 15-year-old to go under the sub-four mark despite wet and cold conditions. LATEST HEADLINES: Blues v Crusaders, Chiefs still strong Black Ferns legend no to World Cup Webster pilots Jets to NBL win over Airs Warriors stick with winning combination Devine, Kerr return for Australian serie s Less than a month off his 16th birthday, he beat his own previous age best of 4m 01.72s, set at Whanganui in January. Ruthe became the youngest man to claim a New Zealandsenior title, when he won the 3000m crown at Napier, and then added a second, when he deadheated with Tanner over 1500m at Dunedin last week. Tanner won the race in 3m 58.29s, shouting encouragement to Ruthe younger rival down the homestraight,. Feilding's Ben Wall also broke four minutes for the first time with 3m 59.00s in third.

Stephen Perofeta is in the starting lineup for the Blues against the Crusaders. PHOTO: CRAIG BUTLAND/LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY Plenty of questions going into Super Rugby Pacific Round 6, mainly are the Blues done for the season, are the Crusaders back and can the Chiefs continue? All Blacks star Ardie Savea is out of Moana Pasifika's lineup a week after their win over the Hurricanes. LATEST HEADLINES: Black Ferns legend no to World Cup Webster pilots Jets to NBL win over Airs Warriors stick with winning combination Devine, Kerr return for Australian serie s Black Caps blast to victory over Pakistan He sustained a hamstring complaint in his last game, Savea is also due an international break.-Englishman Tom Savage takes over as captain. Form flanker Simon Parker and Anton Lienert-Brown are missing from the Chiefs with injury, replaced by Kaylum Boshier and Gideon Wrampling in the starting lineup. Quinn Tupaea is rotated to the bench for the clash at Pukekohe. Moana Pasifika vs Chiefs, Navigation Homes Stadium, Pukekohe, Friday, March 21, 7:05pm MOANA PASIFIKA: William Havili, Losi Filipo, Pepesana Patafilo, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Kyren Taumoefolau, Patrick Pellegrini, Jonathan Taumateine; Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, Miracle Faiilagi, Ola Tauelangi, Allan Craig, Tom Savage (capt), Sione Mafile'o, Millennium Sanerivi, Abraham Pole. Reserves: Sama Malolo, Tito Tuipulotu, Chris Apoua, Michael Curry, Semisi Paea, Melani Matavao, Tevita Ofa, Tuna Tuitama CHIEFS: Shaun Stevenson, Emoni Narawa, Daniel Rona, Gideon Wrampling, Leroy Carter, Damian McKenzie, Xavier Roe; Luke Jacobson (capt), Kaylum Boshier, Samipeni Finau, Tupou Vaa’i, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Reuben O’Neill, Bradley Slater, Jared Proffit. Reserves: Samisoni Taukei'aho, Aidan Ross, Sione Ahio, James Thompson, Jahrome Brown, Cortez Ratima, Josh Jacomb, Quinn Tupaea Highlanders vs Queensland Reds, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, Saturday, March 22, 4:35pm Season star Timoci Tavatavanawai moves back out to the wing for the Highlanders as Thomas Umaga-Jensen starts at second-five. TK Howden is at lock, with Fabian Holland coming off the bench and Daniel Lienert-Brown is back from suspension as a win is there for the taking against the inconsistent Reds. HIGHLANDERS: Finn Hurley, Caleb Tangitau, Tanielu Tele’a, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Timoci Tavatavanawai (capt), Taine Robinson, Nathan Hastie; Nikora Broughton, Veveni Lasaqa, Sean Withy, Mitch Dunshea, Te Kamaka (TK) Howden, Saula Ma’u, Soane Vikena, Ethan de Groot. Reserves: Jack Taylor, Josh Bartlett, Sefo Kautai, Fabian Holland, Will Stodart, James Arscott, Ajay Faleafaga, Sam Gilbert Blues vs Crusaders, Eden Park, Auckland, Saturday, March 22, 7:05pm Stephen Perofeta is back from injury and into a Blues starting XV at Eden Park against old rivals the Crusaders while Hoskins Sotutu returns from suspension to start at the back of scrum. . Twenty-year-old midfielder Xavi Taele is retained after his solid debut last weekend, But a dozen player are absent with injury Ethan Blackadder was going to be in, but is now out with his place taken by Tom Christie for the Crusader. Noah Hotham returns from an injury picked up in their first game but is now in a serious battle to get the starting halfback spot back from Kyle Preston. Brydon Ennor is also out with a hamstring issue. BLUES: Corey Evans, Mark Tele'a, Rieko Ioane, Xavi Taele, Caleb Clarke, Stephen Perofeta, Sam Nock; Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papali’i, Cameron Christie, Josh Beehre, Patrick Tuipulotu (capt), Angus Ta'avao, Kurt Eklund, Joshua Fusitu’a. Reserves: James Mullan, Jordan Lay, Marcel Renata, Laghlan McWhannell, Tristyn Cook, Finlay Christie, Harry Plummer, Cole Forbes CRUSADERS: Will Jordan, Chay Fihaki, Dallas McLeod, David Havili (capt), Sevu Reece, Taha Kemara, Kyle Preston; Christian Lio-Willie, Tom Christie, Cullen Grace, Antonio Shalfoon, Scott Barrett, Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor, Tamaiti Williams. Reserves: Ioane Moananu, George Bower, Seb Calder, Quinten Strange, Corey Kellow, Noah Hotham, James O'Connor, Macca Springer

Sarah Hirini won't play for the Black Ferns at the 2025 Rugby World Cup PHOTO: LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY Changes to the Black Ferns as star player Sarah Hirini, who won Women's Rugby World Cups in 2017 and 2022 and is a two-time Olympic gold medallist in sevens, has decided not to make herself available for this year's campaign in England. The 32-year-old remains in the Black Ferns Sevens and it seems likely that is where she will end her career. However, several other Black Ferns Sevens stars have opted in. LATEST HEADLINES: Webster pilots Jets to NBL win over Airs Warriors stick with winning combination Devine, Kerr return for Australian serie s Black Caps blast to victory over Pakistan Sun, fellow NZers targeting Miami Open Stacey Waaka, Theresa Setefano, Alena Saili, Dhys Faleafaga and Kelsey Teneti, Risi Pouri-Lane and Jorja Miller have made themselves available up for Black Ferns selection as they chase a place in the World Cup squad. Waaka, Setefano, Saili, Faleafaga and Teneti have all been capped before, with Pouri-Lane and Miller possible debutants. Saili, Faleafaga, Teneti, Setefano and Pouri-Lane will join the Black Ferns' first camp in April, ruling them out of selection for the final World Sevens Series event of the season in Los Angeles. Waaka and Miller will join the Black Ferns squad during the Pacific Four Series against Canada, the US and Australia, which starts in May. Black Ferns coach Allan Bunting believes the sevens players will boost the Black Ferns 15s. "Having the ability to add players into the mix that have a proven ability of winning pinnacle events under pressure is invaluable," said Bunting. "It's great to have our best female athletes driving internal competition and striving for selection for World Cup." Black Ferns sevens coach Corey Sweeney said it's in the best interests of both teams to facilitate the switch. "We want to have the best XVs and Sevens programmes in the world and we can't do that independently," said Sweeney. "We've seen real success in the past two World Cup cycles with our players transitioning across to the Black Ferns environment. For the players remaining it will be an exciting opportunity for them to get more game time in Los Angeles and grow on the world stage." Not included in the list of Black Ferns Sevens players is Kelly Brazier, who has been released from sevens to play Super Rugby Aupiki and will be available for selection for the Black Ferns at the end of the competition.

The Manawatu Jets have finished strong to earn their first win of the National Basketball League (NBL) season. The Property Broker Jets outscored the Taranaki Airs 12-2 over the final two-plus minutes of the fourth quarter to take away a 93-84 win from New Plymouth's TSB Stadium in the Sal's NBL on Tuesday night. LATEST HEADLINES: Warriors stick with winning combination Devine, Kerr return for Australian serie s Black Caps blast to victory over Pakistan Sun, fellow NZers targeting Miami Open 2025 Farah Palmer Cup draw releas ed Tall Blacks Centurion Corey Webster guided Manawatu to victory with a game-high 30 points (10/26 FG, 5/10 3pt, 5/8 FT), six assists and three steals as the Jets made 15 triples at a 41 percent clip. Young Kiwi guard Dontae Russo-Nance had himself a game for the winners, with 23 points (7/18 FG, 4/6 3pt, 5/7 FT), eight rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks, while American forward Miles Gibson had a double-double with 16 points (5/15 FG, 3/6 3pt) and 12 boards. Their other imports, Eric Williams Jr and Kenny Goins also made an impact, with Williams putting up 11 points and eight boards, and Goins eight points and eight rebounds. Corey Webster exploded for 30 points, six assists and three steals for the Manawatu Jets. PHOTO: NBL/MICHELLE FEY Three players - Harry Froling, Carlin Davison and Jack Andrew - had double-doubles for the Airs, who shot just 28 percent (6-of-21) on three-point attempts and committed 18 turnovers. Froling had 25 points (9/21 FG, 7/8 FT), 11 rebounds and two steals, Davison 24 points (9/20 FG, 5/8 3pt), 10 boards, two steals and two blocks, and Andrew 13 points (6/8 FG) and 11 rebounds. American guard Armon Fletcher also had 13 points (5/9 FG), three assists and two steals, and Quintin Bailey nine boards and four assists off the bench. The Airs led 72-71 with 2:28 remaining before Russo-Nance hit back-to-back threes to give Manawatu the lead for good. Tyson Thata-Paese and Russo-Nance added baskets before the Jets iced the game at the free-throw line. The Jets (1-1) take on the Indian Panthers (0-1) at Pulman Arena on Sunday (tip-off 7.30pm), while the Airs (1-1) travel to the North Shore to face the Auckland Tuatara (0-1) earlier in the day (tip-off 3pm). In the earlier Sky Broadband Rapid League game, Riley Tuuta hit a game-winning three as time expired in the Airs' 39-38 victory. Scott Telfer had 14 points and Quintin Bailey 12 points for Taranaki, while Tyson Thata-Paese scored 19 points for Manawatu. Manawatu Jets 93 (Corey Webster 30, Dontae Russo-Nance 23, Miles Gibson 16, Eric Williams Jr 11) Taranaki Airs 84 (Harry Froling 25, Carlin Davison 24, Armon Fletcher 13, Jack Andrew 13). 1Q: 26-25, HT: 43-40, 3Q: 66-62

Lulu Sun will be looking for more wins at the Miami Masters PHOTO: WTA New Zealand's Lulu Sun will be looking for another deep run in the Masters 1000 event at Miami Open this week. The 23-year-old reached the third round of Indian Wells scoring a couple of much needed victories to gain confidence after a year which had featured just one victory. LATEST HEADLINES: Bulls survive low-scoring NBL contest 2025 Farah Palmer Cup draw confirmed NZ Sail GP team miss Los Angeles title Campbell 3rd at LIV, Fox top-20 at TPC Paul Coll beaten in Australian Open final Sun ranked 44th faces the tall Egyptian player Mayar Sherif ranked 67th in the first round with Amanda Annasimova, the winner of the Qatar Open last month waiting in the next round In men's doubles Michael Venus and Nikols Mektic are the fifth seeds and face American wildcards Mackenzie McDonald and Learner Tien in the first round. The women's double draw has yet to be confirmed, however it's likely Erin Routliffe and Gaby Dabrowski will be the second seeds.

The Black Caps have taken a 2-0 lead in the T20 series over Pakistan PHOTO: ICC The Black Caps have scored a five wicket win over Pakistan at Dunedin to lead the five-game T20 series 2-0. After a delayed start Pakistan scored 135-9 from their 15 overs. LATEST HEADLINES: Sun, fellow NZers target Miami Open Bulls survive low-scoring NBL contest 2025 Farah Palmer Cup draw confirmed NZ Sail GP team miss Los Angeles title Campbell 3rd at LIV, Fox top-20 at TPC Captain Salman Agha top-scored with 46 from 28 including three sixes and four fours. Nexe best was Shada Khan 26 and Shaleen Shah Afridi 22. For the Black Caps there were two wicket hauls by Ish Sodhi (2-17 from three overs), Jacob Duffy, Ben Sears and James Neesham. In respone the home side started with a flourish as Tim Seifert made 45 from 22 and Finn Allen 38 from 16 ball including five sixes and one four. Seirfert fell at 66 before Mark Chapman was out for one, daryl Mitchell 14 and Neesham five. Mitch Hay was not out 21 and captain Michael Bracewell five and a score of 137-5. Game three is at Eden Park on Friday. Earlier the White Ferns final T20 clash with Sri Lanka was abandoned. The White Ferns batted for 14.1 overs scoring 101-3 as Suzie Bates made 31 from 28, Georgia Plimmer 46 not out , Emma McLeod four, Brooke Halliday was out for a duck. Izzy Sharp was the other not out batter with 17. The series was drawn 1-1 after the Dunedin no result.

Will the NZ Warriors back up against the Roosters in round three? PHOTO: NRL An unchanged 17 has been named for the third straight game for the NZ Warriors’ round three NRL clash against the Sydney Roosters at Go Media Stadium on Friday. Following their setback in Las Vegas, the same 17 players rebounded to deliver one of the club’s most impressive victories last Friday night in scoring six tries to stun a Manly side coming off an emphatic display against the Cowboys. LATEST HEADLINES: Devine, Kerr return for Australia series Black Caps blast to win over Pakistan Sun, fellow NZers target Miami Open Bulls survive low-scoring NBL contest 2025 Farah Palmer Cup draw confirmed After shuffling the originally-selected starting pack for the match against Canberra, the Warriors started as selected against the Sea Eagles. The only changes this week come on the extended bench. With back-up hooker Sam Healey sidelined for a week with a shoulder injury, 48-game NRL dummy half Freddy Lussick is on the bench. Second rower Jacob Laban comes in for Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, who was 18th man last week. Centre Rocco Berry has been brought in as he continues his comeback from a shoulder injury. Used for 40 minutes in the New South Wales Cup side’s first match of the season against Western Suburbs, Berry played the full 80 minutes in the 31-20 win over Manly last Friday night. This week’s match provides a milestone moment for fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad when he makes his 50th NRL appearance for the Warriors. He was a key contributor last week making a team-high 171 metres and six tackle breaks. Loose forward Erin Clark and centre Adam Pompey edge closer to 100-game milestones, Clark playing his 98th game while Pompey makes his 97th appearance (all for the Warriors). There’s little between the Warriors and the Roosters in the 47 matches they’ve played since 1995, the Roosters winning 24, the Warriors 22 with one draw. However, the ledger has been strongly in the Roosters’ favour more recently. They’ve won the last eight encounters since losing 6-30 in Sydney in 2018. NZ WARRIORS: Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Taine Tuaupiki, Ali Leiataua, Adam Pompey, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Luke Metcalf, James Fisher-Harris (cc), Wayde Egan, Mitch Barnett, Kurt Capewell, Marata Miukore, Erin Clark. Interchange: Dylan Walker, Jackson Ford, Demitiric Vaimauga, Leka Halasima, Jacob Laban, Te Marie Martin, Freddy Lussick, Bunty Afoa, Rocco Berry

Amelia Kerr is a key returnee for the White Ferns T20I series against Australia PHOTO: MARTIN HUNTER/LINTOTT PHOOTGRAPHY The White Ferns home summer is set to finish on a high as stars Sophie Devine, Melie Kerr and Lea Tahuhu return to the T20I squad to face Australia. The T20 World Champions will take on Trans-Tasman rivals in three T20I-doubleheaders alongside the Black Caps and Pakistan in Auckland, Tauranga, and Wellington, starting on Friday 21 March at Eden Park. LATEST HEADLINES: Black Caps blast to win over Pakistan Sun, fellow NZers target Miami Open Bulls survive low-scoring NBL contest 2025 Farah Palmer Cup draw confirmed NZ Sail GP team miss Los Angeles title Devine returns following a well-being break that ruled her out of the Dream11 Super Smash, Women’s Premiere League, and the home series against Sri Lanka. ICC’s Women’s Cricketer of the Year, Melie Kerr, returns home from the Women’s Premiere League after claiming her second title with the Mumbai Indians. Kerr’s last T20I outing for New Zealand was a player-of-the-match-performance at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup grand final, where she scored 43 off 38 and took three for 24 guiding New Zealand to a 32-run victory. The White Ferns pace attack welcomes back senior bowler Lea Tahuhu following hamstring injuries that have kept her sidelined from international cricket since December. Otago Sparks batter Bella James also returns following a quadricep strain that ruled her out of the recent ODI and T20I series against Sri Lanka. James, who is uncapped in international T20 cricket, passed fitness tests yesterday and will travel with the team to Auckland today. Wicketkeeper-batter Izzy Gaze, who was also ruled out of the T20I series against Sri Lanka with a hip flexor sprain she picked up during the 3rd ODI, will not take part in the series as she requires further rehabilitation before returning to play. Polly Inglis, who made her international debut in both white-ball formats this month, will replace Gaze. The remainder of the squad looks familiar to the side that drew the T20I series against Sri Lanka this week, with Emma McLeod, Izzy Sharp, Flora Devonshire and Bree Illing coming out to make way for Devine, Kerr, James and Tahuhu’s return. Suzie Bates will continue as interim captain for the series after Devine stepped down as T20I captain at the conclusion of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. New Zealand head coach Ben Sawyer said he was pleased to get three senior players back. “We’re stoked to have Soph, Melie and Lea back for this series,” said Sawyer. “They’re three key players who bring a wealth of experience and leadership to the group.” Sawyer said Devine felt ready to return to cricket. “Soph’s had some time away from the game and is now in a space where she’s looking forward to getting back out on the park. “Everyone knows the power she possesses and what an asset she is to any team, so we’re really pleased to have her back for what we know will be a competitive series.” Devine said she was excited to be back with the team. “It’s nice to have had some time to reset and refocus and I’m really looking forward to getting back out there with the girls.” White Ferns Squad: Suzie Bates (C) Otago Sparks Eden Carson Otago Sparks Sophie Devine Wellington Blaze Maddy Green Auckland Hearts Brooke Halliday Auckland Hearts Polly Inglis Otago Sparks Bella James Otago Sparks Fran Jonas Auckland Hearts Jess Kerr Wellington Blaze Melie Kerr Wellington Blaze Rosemary Mair Central Hinds Georgia Plimmer Wellington Blaze Lea Tahuhu Canterbury Magicians The T20I series will be broadcast live and free in New Zealand on TVNZ 1, TVNZ+, and Sport Nation, with live scoring available at nzc.nz and the NZC App. Schedule: 1st T20I - Friday 21 March – Eden Park, Auckland, 2.45pm 2nd T20I – Sunday 23 March – Bay Oval, Tauranga, 2.45pm 3rd T20I – Wednesday 26 March – Sky Stadium, Wellington, 2.45pm

2024 Farah Palmer Cup winners Waikato PHOTO: NZR SUPPLIED A busy year of women's rugby will continue in August with the Farah Palmer Cup kicking off. While the Black Ferns are in England defending the Rugby World Cup, the country’s brightest developing talent will be on display across nine weeks of fierce competition. LATEST HEADLINES: NZ Sail GP team miss Los Angeles title Campbell 3rd at LIV, Fox top-20 at TPC Paul Coll beaten in Australian Open final Exciting matchups to open NPC season Phoenix secure draw against Sydney FC Defending premiership winners Waikato will kick the season off with an almighty battle against Auckland while championship winners (promoted to the premiership), Manawatū will face a tough challenge against Canterbury. The first defence of the JJ Stewart Trophy will be when Waikato play at home against Counties Manukau in round two. New Zealand Rugby Head of Women High Performance Hannah Porter, said the competition will see many new players emerge. "With all eyes on women’s rugby in 2025, the Farah Palmer Cup will showcase the next generation of developing players. "Following the record number of women taking the field in 2024, the Farah Palmer Cup remains a crucial pathway, giving players the chance to represent their whānau, clubs and communities on the national stage,” said Porter. The Farah Palmer Cup presented by Bunnings Warehouse finals will see the Championship Final played on the weekend of September 20/21, while the Premiership Final will take place on the weekend of October 4/5. All double headers (24 matches played alongside Bunnings Warehouse NPC fixtures,) and all competition play off matches will be broadcast live on Sky Sport, the remaining 12 fixtures will be live streamed by New Zealand Rugby. Sky Open will also broadcast one match per week free to air with a live start. Farah Palmer Cup presented by Bunnings Warehouse teams: Premiership: Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Canterbury, Counties Manukau, Hawke’s Bay, Manawatū, Waikato. Championship: Northland, North Harbour, Otago, Taranaki, Tasman, Wellington Full draw can be seen here