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Mitchell Santner will lead the Black Caps in the T20 series against Sri Lanka PHOTO: LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY Full crowds are on the card for the Black Caps three-game T20I series against Sri Lanka over the New Year period. Less than 200 tickets remain for the T20I at Saxton Oval in Nelson on January 2nd, with the venue likely set to sell-out. LATEST HEADLINES: Vivian Yang wins ASB Classic wildcard Sri Lanka too strong for NZ XI Joe Champness leaves Auckland FC Australia big winners over White Ferns Jacobs Black Caps call up, Hay keeper Strong crowds are also expected for the first two matches of the T20I series at Mount Maunganui’s Bay Oval on Saturday 28th and Monday 30th December. The Black Caps have already experienced great support this summer with full houses on display for much of the test series against England in Christchurch, Wellington and Hamilton which was won 2-1 by England. NZC are offering discount on tickets for members of Cricket Nation at tickets.nzc.nz Mitchell Santner will lead New Zealand in the series with new players Bevon Jacobs and Mitch Hay to make his debut at home. Daryl Mitchells, Tom Latham and Rachin Ravindra are also named in the squad to get valuable game time.

Vivian Yang has earned her place in the ASB Classic main draw following her victory over Elyse Tse Auckland teenager Vivian Yang has won the ASB Classic wildcard playoff, and will play in the main draw of the New Zealand WTA tournament next week. Yang, 19 defeated fellow left hander Elyse Tse 1-6 6-2 6-2 to secure her spot in the main draw, Twenty-year-old Tse picks up a wildcard for the qualifying draw by reaching the final. LATEST HEADLINES: Sri Lanka too strong for NZ XI Joe Champness leaves Auckland FC Australia big winners over White Ferns Jacobs Black Caps call up, Hay keeper Phoenix dealt to by Western Sydney The match between the two lefthanders had big momentum swing the first three games went against the server, before Tse got a hold to go up 3-1. Tse kept hold of that momentum, stayed aggressive and took the opening set. Yang got a break in the opening game of the second set and played much more solid tennis. Unlike the earlier matches in the playoff, there was a full third set for the final and for the third straight match Yang needed to go the distance for a victory. It started well for the Pepperdine student as Yang got another break at the start of the deciding set. At 3-0, Tse called for the physio as she appeared to have a problem with her right thigh. But after a spray and some strapping she was able to continue. Tse saved a match point serving at 5-1 and went onto win that game, but Yang held serve in the next game, putting away a short ball at the net for the victory. Coming back after losing the first set 6-1 was a big challenge for Yang, but she said she was ready for it. "It's been like that, this whole tournament so far, Elyse actually played really well, she took a lot of opportunities at the start," said Yang. “I was not really ready. I wasn't moving the best, and I wasn't really playing free. I started playing a lot better when I started just focusing on my game instead of paying more attention to her. But I do think she played really well, so I don't necessarily think my level was that bad at the start.” Winning that second set 6-2 gave Yang confidence that she could come through and take the third set, but winning third set tiebreaks against Valentina Ivanov and Jade Otway also gave her the belief she could win. “It's so common that I've been down because I just lose focus, and then it just goes so quick,” she said. “But internally, I know I have the physicality, I have the level, and I know how to play. “I've just got to focus on that. So it's more like I work my way back into the court and work on how I should be playing. So that definitely helped from the previous matches.” The main draw for the ASB Classic will be held on Saturday, with first round matches beginning on Monday. “I don't really mind who I play, because for me, regardless of who I'm playing against, I'm just working on my game and how I should be playing,” she said. “My main goal is trying to play my game regardless of who I play and if I did that, I think it's a massive win for me and my team, regardless who I play and how I do.”

Callum Mclachlan seen here in Wellington colours was one of only three players to make double figures in the NZ XI loss to Sri Lanka PHOTO: LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY A shortened game but still some practice time on the pitch for the Sri Lankan side ahead of their T20 games against the Black Caps. The visitors were too good for the New Zealand XI in what became a shortened over contest at Bert Suttcliffe Oval, Lincoln. LATEST HEADLINES: Joe Champness leaves Auckland FC Australia big winners over White Ferns Jacobs Black Caps call up, Hay keeper Phoenix dealt to by Western Sydney Whai take Tauihi title over Tokomanawa Batting first the NZ XI made 94 in 13.4 overs. The best batter was newly selected Black Cap Bevon Jacobs with 39 from 16 balls including four sixes and two fours. Otherwise only captain Joe Carter with 10 and Wellington wicker keeper Callum McLachlan with 11 made double figures. The best of the Sri Lankan bowlers was Wa indu Hararanga with 3-12 from 2.3 overs. Henry Shipley made two runs and bowled one over for 13 runs in his return to top flight cricket. Ben Lister, Matt Fisher and Adi Ashok all took one wicket as Sri Lanka reached the target with three wickets down and in 10.5 overs. Kusal Perera made 30 and Kaminda Medis 28, both retired not out. The first T20 international is December 28 at Bay Oval.

Hideki Ishige (right) was the only scorer for the Wellington Phoenix in their loss to Western Sydney Wanderers PHOTO: A-LEAGUE The Western Sydney Wanderers have handed the Wellington Phoenix a 4-1 thrashing in their latest A-League encounter. Zac Sapsford opened the scoring just 47 seconds after kick-off to set the tone for the Wanderers’ third win in five games; LATEST HEADLINES: Whai take Tauihi title over Tokomanawa Kiwi doubles title on World Tennis Tour Auckland FC suffer first loss in A-League Australia win Rose Bowl over White Ferns Wellington Phoenix continue unbeaten run Ex Nix player Bozhidar Kraev made it 2-0 in the 10th minute with a goal against his former side before a sensational bicycle kick from Hideki Ishige gave Wellington hope. Hideki's goal came from some good work through Tim Payne and had the visitors looking impressive, but they were caught napping and lacked intensity as the match wore on. As the Phoenix hunted an equaliser, Western Sydney head coach Alen Stajcic brought Marcus Antonsson off his bench and within two minutes the Swedish striker delivered the Wanderers their third goal in the 66th minute. As the game ticked into stoppage time there was action at both ends before young midfielder Dylan Scicluna bagged the first goal of his A-League career with a bullet strike from outside the box. The shot crashed off the crossbar and dropped over the line, to put the exclamation point on a thrilling Wanderers display. For the Phoenix, the defeat was a third in succession for Giancarlo Italiano’s side

Western United were hungerier for victory that Auckland FC in their round nine clash PHOTO: A-LEAGUE Auckland FC have found out what it's like to compete in the week-in, week-out rigours of the A-League with a 4-0 loss to Western United in the A-League. It was the first defeat for Auckland which came about after three-goals in the first first half to their much hungrier opponents. Riku Danzaki, Noah Botic and Hiroshi Ibusuki struck in the first half, while Matt Grimaldi found the back of the net in the closing stages. LATEST HEADLINES: Australia win Rose Bowl over White Ferns Wellington Phoenix continue unbeaten run Garvey secures European Tour card Breakers further into ANBL losing streak Another sevens player for Warriors Women Western, who have now scored 10 goals in their past three away fixtures having scored 18 in their previous 15, provisionally climb up to fifth in the table – seven points behind leaders Auckland FC through nine rounds. Western were a threat from the outset and hit the front in the 16th minute. After receiving a penalty for a handball inside the box, Riku Danzaki stepped up to convert the spot-kick as Auckland found themselves behind for the first time on home soil at Mt Smart. There was disbelief eight minutes later when Western netted another through Noah Botic. Hiroshi Ibusuki desperately got a shot off to force a save from Auckland goalkeeper Alex Paulsen but Botic was on hand to fire home the rebound – his third goal in four games. Tomoki Imai nearly made it 3-0 two minutes later, while Western goalkeeper Matt Sutton was called into action for the first time and he was up to the task to keep out Guillermo May’s long-range attempt. Then in the 34th minute, Ibusuki scored Western’s third goal and his fourth of the season. Their ruthless and efficient football shocked the home side as the Japanese forward timed his run to perfection, getting in behind and slotting the ball beyond Paulsen. Though it was not without controversy as Auckland protested that referee Casey Reibelt interfered earlier in the sequence of play, having appeared to inadvertently block Jake Brimmer. It could have been 4-0 at half-time, if not for the woodwork, after Angus Thurgate’s thunderous volley cannoned off the crossbar. A fingertip save from Sutton kept a rallying Auckland at bay nine minutes into the second half, and the Western keeper came up big again moments later. Chances started to build for Auckland but they could not find a way past Sutton and Western, who kept their second clean sheet of the campaign as Grimaldi came off the bench to finish the game.

Molly Penfold took four wickets for the White Ferns in their DLS loss in the second ODI to Australia in Wellington PHOTO: LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY Australia have kept the Rose Bowl trophy after having the White Ferns on edge when thunderstorms cut the second One Day International short at the Basin Reserve. The White Ferns were 122 for 5 after 30.1 overs, chasing 292 to win when they left the field as thunder and lightning hit. The match was called off and Australia beat the White Ferns by 65 runs courtesy of the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method . Annabel Sutherland anchored the Australian innings - scoring 105 not out to take the visitors to 291 for seven. LATEST HEADLINES: Wellington Phoenix continue unbeaten run Garvey secures European Tour card Breakers further into ANBL losing streak Another sevens player for Warriors Women Liam Lawson joins Verstappen at Red Bull White Ferns seamer Molly Penfold took 4-32 from her 10 overs dismissing Ellyse Perry and Beth Mooney in quick succession and having, Australia in trouble at 110-4 after 23.1 overs. But Australia showed yet again their dept with Sutherland, batting at number five, took complete control and finished on 105 not out off 81 deliveries. Facing a huge task, New Zealand didn't get off to a good start when opener Suzie Bates lost her wicket for just four runs from 17 runs. Newcomer Bella James made a good start on her international debut but was eventually dismissed for 27. Amelia Kerr was run out on a close call on video review on 38. Sophie Devine was out for 15, Brooke Halliday for seven and Maddy Green was left not out 26 and Lauren Down without scoring The first ODI was completely washed out but the White Ferns could still salvage a 1-1 series draw if they can beat Australia in the final ODI on Monday.

Grace Jale celebrates as the Wellington Phoenix women score a 2-0 win over Sydney FC in the A-League PHOTO: A-LEAGUE The Wellington Phoenix women have knocked over the two-time defending A-League champions to stretch their unbeaten run to a club record four matches. The Phoenix have beaten Sydney FC 2-0 at Porirua Park thanks to milestone second half goals from Grace Jale and Zoe McMeeken. It was Jale’s first goal of the season and McMeeken’s first of her A-League career. The result lifts the Nix up to fourth on the ladder for the time being at least, while Sydney remain rooted to the bottom. LATEST HEADLINES: Garvey secures European Tour card Breakers further into ANBL losing streak Another sevens player for Warriors Women Liam Lawson joins Verstappen at Red Bull Ajeet Rai wins singles, doubles in Capital Paul Temple made three changes to the XI which started last week’s 1-1 draw at Melbourne Victory with Zoe McMeeken, Mebae Tanaka and Emma Main, who impressed as second half substitutes against Victory, replacing Alivia Kelly, Alyssa Whinham and Daisy Brazendale. Main had the first shot of the match after Lara Wall burst down the left flank, but her effort was comfortably held by Tahlia Franco in Sydney’s goal. Wall was required to do some last-ditch defending moments later to deflect a strike from Sydney striker Millie Farrow over the byline for a corner. Farrow had a couple of opportunities in quick succession in the 19th and 20th minutes, but neither was able to test Phoenix ‘keeper Carolina Vilão. Her first effort lobbed into Vilão’s arms and she sprayed her next chance wide after pouncing on an under-hit back pass from Mackenzie Barry. The English forward was Sydney’s main threat and Lara Wall put her body on the line on the half hour mark to deny Millie Farrow going on-on-one with Vilão half an hour into the match. The rain started falling soon after and there weren’t any clear-cut opportunities for either side for the remainder of the first 45. The heavens well and truly opened in first half stoppage time and a decision was made soon after to delay the second half due to lightning within the 10 kilometre radius of Porirua Park. Play eventually resumed 45 minutes later than originally scheduled and Temple made his first change bringing Alyssa Whinham on in place of Mebae Tanaka. Whinham made an instant impact, getting on the ball regularly as the Nix dominated possession to start the second half. She had a say in Jale’s breakthrough goal too in the 59th minute. Grace Jale picked up possession just inside Sydney’s half, played a one-two with Alyssa Whinham and then unleashed a powerful strike from 30-odd yards out that beat Tahlia Franco and nestled into the corner of the net. Wellington came close to doubling their lead half a dozen minutes later with Sydney substitute Lucy Johnson making a goal-line clearance to deny McMeeken from a corner. Manaia Elliott earned the corner moments after coming on as a replacement for Olivia Fergusson. Sydney FC had a good spell of pressure after the goal-line clearance and earned a free-kick and successive corners, but they weren’t able to test Vilão. The Sky Blues’ best chance again fell to Millie Farrow but Annalie Longo snuffed out the opportunity by throwing herself at Farrow’s shot from around the penalty spot. Longo turned provider soon after with Zoe McMeeken heading home her skipper’s corner to score her maiden A-League goal. Princess Ibini almost gave Sydney a lifeline moments later when she headed a right-wing cross against the near post. It was the closest Sydney would come to threatening Vilão’s goal for the remainder of the 90 minutes plus stoppage time with the Phoenix holding on to seal the three points and stretching their unbeaten run to four matches. The inform Wellington Phoenix will face the ultimate test to round out 2024 when they play competition leaders Melbourne City next Saturday.

The NZ Breakers have now gone more than a month without a win in the Australian National Basketball League (ANBL). The Breakers’ losing streak grew to seven games on Friday night, with a nail-biting 92-84 loss to the Sydney Kings in their return to Auckland’s Spark Arena. LATEST HEADLINES: Another sevens player for Warriors Women Liam Lawson joins Verstappen at Red Bull Ajeet Rai wins singles, doubles in Capital Season-ending injury for Nix's Colakovski 2024 Halberg Awards finalists announced A Max Darling bucket put the Breakers up 76-68 with 8:38 remaining in the fourth quarter. However, they went scoreless for more than five minutes, as the Kings closed within two, and were outscored 24-8 down the stretch. A Tacko Fall basket to end the drought sparked a flurry of points, with the Kings emerging with an 84-83 lead with 1:38 to play. Max Darling and the NZ Breakers fell to their seventh straight loss in the ANBL. PHOTO: NZ BREAKERS After a Fall miss and turnover, Jaylen Adams extended the Kings’ lead, then Fall missed again from the field and one-of-two at the foul-line, making it a two-point game with 53 seconds left. Adams connected again, before a Sam Mennenga turnover led to A Toohey’s dagger basket, putting the visitors up six. The Breakers’ last win came on November 16, an ugly 77-69 win at the Cairns Taipans. The Breakers established an early rhythm, led by Parker Jackson-Cartwright, who posted a team-high 25 points (9/19 FG, 2/8 3pt) and eight assists. The American point guard’s energy at both ends kept the Breakers within striking distance throughout the game. Karim Lopez, the Breaker’s 17-year-old Mexican ‘Next Star’, entertained the home crowd with 18 points (8/14 FG), four rebounds, three assists, a steal and block, while Fall finished with 15 points (7/11 FG) and nine boards. The Kings were helped by an outstanding performance from Kouat Noi, whose 26 points on an efficient 71 percent shooting (10-of-14) proved the difference. Noi, Toohey and Adams’ high-percentage shooting kept Sydney, who trailed by seven points at the half, in the contest, closing within two after three periods. Toohey finished with 21 points (9/15 FG) and 11 rebounds, while Adams messed around and almost got a triple-double, with 17 points (6/16 FG), eight boards and nine assists. Head coach Petteri Koponen said it was tough to take another loss despite an improvement across the court. “We lost our poise in the last few minutes and it was just the small details in the end, but we gave them a fight tonight,” he said. “The guys feel it and you can see it in the locker room - this one hurts. We were close. “We played much better but Sydney found the talent in the end. Overall, I’m proud of these guys. We keep competing, fighting and getting better.” The Breakers now head across the Tasman for a Christmas Day showdown with Tasmania JackJumpers in Hobart on Wednesday (tip-off 8pm NZ Time).

Tysha Ikenasio has experience in both rugby and rugby league and will join the Warriors for the NRLW. PHOTO: NZR Another Black Ferns Sevens player has signed for the NZ Warriors women for their return to the NRLW, with Tysha Ikenasio switching codes. Secured for three seasons, the 27-year-old is among four more player signings confirmed as the Warriors Wahine continue to build their squad for next season. LATEST HEADLINES: Liam Lawson joins Verstappen at Red Bull Ajeet Rai wins singles, doubles in Capital Season-ending injury for Nix's Colakovski Cromwell mulling a bid for Supercars race 2024 Halberg Awards finalists announced Ikenasio is joined by Payton Takimoana, Kalyn Takitimu-Cook and Makayla Eli, who all have rugby union backgrounds. After five years playing sevens rugby union in Japan, Ikenasio returned home where she had a season playing rugby league with the Richmond Roses in the Auckland premiership before breaking into the Black Ferns Sevens squad in 2022. As well as sevens rugby, she has represented New Zealand in touch and tag. “Tysha has a wonderful story, her career being built on resilience in taking the long route to become a Black Ferns sevens player,” said Warriors NRLW head coach Ronald Griffiths. “Included in her journey has been a stint in Japan, playing rugby league in Auckland and going through the enrolment process for the New Zealand Police before her opportunity finally came to join the sevens programme. “Although she speaks with ultimate pride about her time in rugby, it has been evident in working our way through the process to sign her how committed and ready she is for the next chapter in her life. “Tysha exudes a club and team first mentality. This coupled with her resilience and drive will no doubt see her have an immediate impact for the Warriors. We’re thrilled to have her on board.” Takimoana (21), signed for 2025 and 2026, is in the Hurricanes Poua squad for the 2025 Super Rugby Aupiki season alongside former Black Fern Shakira Baker, whose signing with the Warriors was announced in September. She has scored 14 tries in 20 Farah Palmer Cup appearances for the Bay of Plenty Volcanix over the last three seasons. “After watching Payton’s highlights and her innate ability to turn up in the right spot in attack, it was evident she can sense the big moment in a game,” said Griffiths. “However, it was her efforts in defence, the numerous times that she chased back to save tries, that really caught our attention and, as well as this, her aggressive nature in defence was impressive. “After meeting her family, we knew Payton would be a fantastic addition to the Warriors whanau. She’s someone who will be exciting to watch when the opportunity arises for her debut.” Takitimu-Cook (24), also signed for 2025 and 2026, has played in the Farah Palmer Cup for the Manawatu Cyclones and the Bay of Plenty Volcanix while she made three appearances for the Hurricanes Poua in Super Rugby Aupiki this year. A member of New Zealand’s gold medal-winning sevens rugby team at the 2018 Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires, she tried her hand at rugby league this year with the Richmond Roses and helped the Akarana Falcons to victory in the New Zealand Rugby League’s national premiership. “Kalyn took the leap and switched to rugby league in season 2024. Her decision to commit to league ultimately paid dividends with her being rewarded with a contract,” said Griffiths. The 23-year-old Eli is a rugby union-rugby league double international. With club links to both codes in the Counties Manukau area, she has appeared at Test level for Samoa’s national women’s rugby union side Manusina and for Fetu Samoa in rugby league. She has also played for the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Manly Sea Eagles in the New South Wales women’s premiership. “Makayla has played in many different representative teams, including Samoa in both codes and Aotearoa Māori,” said Griffiths. “However, it was her trip to play with Manly in the 2024 NSW premiership season that allowed us to see her play in strong competition in which she acquitted herself well. “Blessed with a natural ability to read the game we are looking forward to working with Makayla to develop a strong mindset. We believe the mentality shift will see Makayla flourish at the Warriors.” Eli has also been signed for 2025 and 2026. With the five signings announced this week, the Warriors have filled 16 spots in their squad with further announcements due to be made tomorrow. NZ WARRIORS WOMEN SIGNINGS Apia Nicholls, Mya Hill-Moana, Harata Butler, Capri Paekau, Laishon Albert-Jones, Emmanita Paki, Lavinia Tauhalaliku, Matekino Gray, Shakira Baker, Wetere, Metanoia Fotu-Moala, Michaela Blyde, Tysha Ikenasio, Payton Takimoana, Kalyn Takitimu-Cook, Makayla Eli

Henry Shipley is treturning from injury to play for the New Zealand XI against Sri Lanka PHOTO: LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY Canterbury's Henry Shipley will return from injury when he lines up for New Zealand XI in a one-off T20 warm-up against Sri Lanka on Monday. Shipley, who has represented the Black Caps in eight ODIs and five T20Is, has faced a sustained period on the sideline since suffering a stress fracture in his back while playing for Sussex in the English County Championship in July, 2023. LATEST HEADLINES: Six NZ golfers earn invitations to WAAP Liam Lawson joins Verstappen at Red Bull Ajeet Rai wins singles, doubles in Capital Season-ending injury for Nix's Colakovski Cromwell mulling a bid for Supercars race He last featured in a competitive match in last season’s Ford Trophy final for Canterbury against Auckland, but a recurrence of the injury saw him sidelined for the New Zealand winter and the start of the 2024-25 New Zealand domestic summer. Shipley impressed in his international introduction in the opening half of 2023, playing a key role in the home ODI and T20I series wins over Sri Lanka, in which he claimed career-best ODI figures of five for 31 in a Player of the Match performance in the opening ODI at Eden Park. The New Zealand XI match will serve as preparation for the visiting Sri Lanka side, ahead of the T20I series against the Black Caps starting at Bay Oval on December 28. Experienced Northern top-order batter Joe Carter will captain the side, which includes a host of talent from around the country. Auckland Aces power-hitter Bevon Jacobs is set to feature, fresh from his selection by the Mumbai Indians in last month’s IPL auction. Aces left-armer Ben Lister will have an opportunity in top level cricket for the first time this season, after sustaining a rib injury during a warm-up match for the Aces in the lead-in to the domestic season in October. Northern Brave fast bowlers Kristian Clarke and Matt Fisher join Shipley and Lister in the pace bowling stocks, while Aces leg-spinner Adi Ashok and Canterbury allrounder Raunaq Kapur add spin options. Off-spinner Kapur, who is part of the Canterbury development programme, has played international cricket for Hong Kong and featured for New Zealand in the Hong Kong Sixes tournament last month. NZC high performance coaches Bob Carter and Paul Wiseman will coach the squad. Carter said he was delighted to see Shipley making a return. “Henry’s had his fair share of injury setbacks over the past couple of seasons and he’s shown real resilience on his long road back to fitness,” said Carter. “He’s shown his ability on the international stage already so the warm-up against Sri Lanka will be a great chance for him to continue his progress and test himself against a strong international side. Carter said the match would offer a lot for the New Zealand XI side. “The game’s given us the opportunity to pick an experienced group of players who will be relishing the chance to take-on a strong Sri Lanka side,” he said. “While the match will serve as a warm-up for the Sri Lanka team, it’s also a great opportunity for our guys to get some valuable time on the park ahead of the Super Smash starting later this month.” New Zealand XI squad v Sri Lanka: Joe Carter (c) (Northern Districts), Adi Ashok (Auckland), Muhammad Abbas (Wellington), Matt Boyle (Canterbury), Katene Clarke (Northern Districts), Kristian Clarke (Northern Districts), Matt Fisher (Northern Districts), Bevon Jacobs (Auckland) Raunaq Kapur (Canterbury), Ben Lister (Auckland), Callum McLachlan (Wellington), Henry Shipley (Canterbury).

Golf New Zealand has announced six young Kiwis have been invited to compete at the prestigious 2025 Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship (WAAP). Eunseo Choi, Vivian Lu, Juwon Kim, Emma Zheng, Darae Chung and Chloe So have secured invitations to the WAAP, thanks to their outstanding performances and strong World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR). LATEST HEADLINES: Liam Lawson joins Verstappen at Red Bull Ajeet Rai wins singles, doubles in Capital Season-ending injury for Nix's Colakovski Cromwell mulling a bid for Supercars race 2024 Halberg Awards finalists announced The championship, which will take place from March 6–9, 2025, at the renowned Hoiana Shores Country Club in Vietnam, offers competitors the opportunity to qualify for some of women’s golf’s most iconic tournaments, including three major championships. Developed by The R&A and the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation, the WAAP serves as a platform for Asia-Pacific’s elite female amateur golfers, providing a pathway to the global stage. The event’s winner will earn coveted spots in the Women’s Open, the Evian Championship, and The Chevron Championship. Additional invitations extend to events such as the Hana Financial Group Championship, Women’s Australian Open, the 121st Women’s Amateur Championship, and the Augusta National Women’s Amateur. "We are thrilled to see these six players receive an invite to this prestigious event.  It’s a testament to their hard work and dedication, and we’re excited to see what they can achieve," said Golf New Zealand high performance manager Gregg Thorpe. Meanwhile, Golf NZ has confirmed three players will join the National Academy. Among the six WAAP invitees, Kim (Harbour) and Zheng (Auckland) have earned their place in the third phase of the Talent Development Programme. Joining them will be Bay of Plenty’s Mitch Kale, recognised for his consistently strong domestic performances.

Kate Heffernan in action for the Silver Ferns agaisnt England earlier in 2025. She's part of a squad to train early in the year in Sydney PHOTO: LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY Silver Ferns Head coach Dame Noeline Taurua is set to take a squad of 15 players to Sydney for a nine day training camp from 27th January to 4th February 2025. The camp has been arranged following the cancellation of the Fiji tour due to unforeseen logistical challenges. LATEST HEADLINES: Ajeet Rai wins singles, doubles in Capital Liam Lawson joins Verstappen at Red Bull Season-ending injury for Nix's Colakovski Cromwell mulling a bid for Supercars race 2024 Halberg Awards finalists announced The new training camp fills that space in the calendar, ensuring the squad has an opportunity to continue their development and preparation for the upcoming season. Bringing together a blend of experienced internationals and development players, the camp will provide a platform to continue the momentum from winning the 2024 Constellation Cup, provide opportunities to build depth in key positions and consolidate preparation for the 2025 International calendar and ANZ Premiership. A key highlight of the camp will be a training match against the NSW Swifts on Sunday, 2nd February at Netball Central in Sydney Olympic Park. This game will offer the training squad a valuable chance to gain high quality match play and provides a good opportunity for some of our emerging talent to test themselves against a different style of opposition. Taurua emphasised the importance of the camp in setting the year ahead. “This camp allows us to train and gain tour experience as a wider squad. Our game against the Swifts will be a real challenge for both teams and a unique opportunity. “The new squad members are exciting, and I can’t wait to see how they train, play, and work alongside our seasoned campaigners.” NZ Training Camp Squad: Karin Burger, Kate Burley, Ameliaranne Ekenasio, Maddy Gordon, Catherine Hall, Kate Heffernan, Kelly Jackson, Parris Mason, Claire O’Brien, Kimiora Poi, Martina Salmon, Peta Toeava, Saviour Tui, Amelia Walmsley, Maia Wilson