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Stefan Colakovski torn his ACL at training, putting him out for the rest of the A-League season. PHOTO: STEFAN COLAKOVSKI Stefan Colakovski will miss the remainder of the Wellington Phoenix’s 2024-25 A-League season. The Australian forward ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee at Phoenix training on Sunday morning and requires surgery, putting him out of action for at least nine months. LATEST HEADLINES: Liam Lawson joins Verstappen at Red Bull Cromwell mulling a bid for Supercars race 2024 Halberg Awards finalists announced Netball NZ confirms domestic host venues Hyrum Harris returning to Wellington Saints Colakovski joined the Nix on a one-year deal in October, 10 days out from the start of the current season and has featured in Wellington’s past six A-League matches as a second half substitute. The 24-year-old, who has previously played for Melbourne City and the Perth Glory, came on between the 60th and 76th minutes in all six contests. He failed to register a shot in 137-plus minutes of action. Wellington Phoenix head coach Giancarlo Italiano was devastated for Colakovski. “We all feel for Cola,” Italiano said. “He’s fitted seamlessly into the squad and has become a popular member of the dressing room in no time. “We were also starting to see glimpses of what he was capable of on the pitch as he got up to speed following his late arrival. “We wish Cola all the best with his rehab and we’re sure he’ll come back stronger than ever.” The sixth-placed Phoenix are away to Western Sydney Wanderers, sitting 10th, on Sunday (kick-off 7pm NZ Time), while A-League leaders Auckland FC host eighth-placed Western United at Go Media Stadium on Saturday (kick-off 5pm).

Kiwi driver Andre Heimgartner won the inaugural Taupo 400 in April. PHOTO: ANDRE HEIMGARTNER New Zealand could host a second Australian Supercars weekend as soon as 2026. The Central Otago District Council met on Wednesday to discuss the region hosting a Supercars event in 2026 at Cromwell's Highlands Motorsport Park. LATEST HEADLINES: Liam Lawson joins Verstappen at Red Bull 2024 Halberg Awards finalists announced Netball NZ confirms domestic host venues Hyrum Harris returning to Wellington Saints ASB Classic wildcard slot for Simona Halep After a year hiatus in 2023 following the closure of the Pukekohe track, Supercars returned to New Zealand earlier this year with its inaugural event at Taupō International Motorsport Park, won by Kiwi driver Andre Heimgartner. "Supercars is constantly pursuing and evaluating opportunities to expand the sport's reach, both in Australia and abroad," Supercars said in a statement. "New Zealand is home to an avid motorsport fan base, as evidenced by the sell-out success of the inaugural Taupō Super400 this past April, and no less than five Kiwi drivers on the current Supercars grid. "There has been great interest among our stakeholders and supporters in a second Supercars event in the Land of the Long White Cloud, which we will continue to explore alongside our ongoing efforts to sustain and grow the success of our event in Taupō." There is currently five New Zealand drivers on the Supercars grid - Jaxon Evans and Heimgartner (Brad Jones Racing), Matt Payne (Grove Racing), Richie Stanaway (PremAir Racing) and Ryan Wood (Walkinshaw Andretti United). The new Supercars championships starts in Sydney on February 21, with the Taupō race weekend on April 11-13.

Liam Lawson will race alongside Max Verstappen for Red Bull Racing in 2025. PHOTO: RED BULL RACING Red Bull Racing has confirmed young New Zealand driver Liam Lawson will team with four-time champion Max Verstappen for the 2025 Formula 1 season. Lawson, 22, will make the move from the sister Racing Bulls team to the top-tier, taking the seat vacated by Mexican Sergio Perez, who was let go by Red Bull earlier this week. LATEST HEADLINES: 2024 Halberg Awards finalists announced Netball NZ confirms domestic host venues Hyrum Harris returning to Wellington Saints ASB Classic wildcard slot for Simona Halep Santner new Black Caps white ball captain Lawson joined the Red Bull Junior Programme in 2019 and after multiple junior formula successes made his F1 debut with Scuderia AlphaTauri at the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix, in place of the injured Daniel Ricciardo. He scored his first championship points in just his second outing at the Singapore GP and completed five races in all for the team. After taking up his reserve driver role with both teams at the start of 2024, Lawson returned to Grand Prix racing with Racing Bulls with a points-scoring finish at this year’s United States Grand Prix. Now, after completing the season with VCARB, he takes the next step in his career with a seat at Red Bull Racing. “To be announced as a Red Bull Racing driver is a lifelong dream for me, this is something I’ve wanted and worked towards since I was eight years old," said Lawson. "It’s been an incredible journey so far. I want to say a massive thank you to the whole team at VCARB for their support, the last six races have played a huge part in my preparation for this next step. I also want to thank, Christian (Horner), Helmut (Marko) and the whole Red Bull family for believing in me and giving me this opportunity. "I am super excited to work alongside Max and learn from a world champion. I have no doubt I will learn from his expertise. I can’t wait to get going." Lawson had finishes of ninth, 16th, ninth, 16th, 14th and 17th after replacing Ricciardo, claiming points at the US Grand Prix in Austin and the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. “Liam’s performances over the course of his two stints with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls have demonstrated that he’s not only capable of delivering strong results but that he’s also a real racer, not afraid to mix it with the best and come out on top," said Red Bull Racing principal and CEO Christian Horner. "His arrival continues the team’s long history of promoting from within the Red Bull Junior Programme and he follows in the footsteps of championship and race-winning drivers such as Sebastian Vettel and of course, Max Verstappen. "There’s no doubt that racing alongside Max, a four-time champion and undoubtedly one of the greatest drivers ever seen in F1, is a daunting task, but I’m sure Liam can rise to that challenge and deliver some outstanding results for us next year.”

Lisa Carrington capturing the gold at the women's K1 500m in Paris is a Halber Award finalist. PHOTO: THE NZ TEAM A wide range of sports are represented in the 33 finalists across six categories in the Halberg Awards, with the winners to be announced in mid-February. The Sportswoman category is set to be the most tightly-contested with six finalists. Returning Supreme winner Dame Lisa Carrington who continued her dominance on the water with three gold medals in canoe sprint at the Paris Olympics heads the list. LATEST HEADLINES: Netball NZ confirms domestic venues 2025 Hyrum Harris returns to Wellington Saints ASB Classic wildcard slot for Simona Halep Hugo Inglis retires from Black Sticks Men Santner new Black Caps white ball captain Also included are cyclist Ellesse Andrews who won gold and a silver medasl at the velodrome, and golfer Lydia Ko who also won gold and was inducted into the sport's hall of fame. The other finalists are cricketer Amelia Kerr who played a leading hand in the White Ferns T20 World Cup win, rower Emma Twigg and tennis player Erin Routliffe who reach No 1 in the world rankings. Olympic gold medallists also dominate the men's category - with high jumper Hamish Kerr and kayaker Finn Butcher heading the list of finalists, which also include tri-athlete Hayden Wilde footballer Chris Wood and jockey James McDonald. Five finalists have been shortlisted for the Para Athlete-Para Team of the Year Award, headed up by sprinter Anna Grimaldi who won Paralympic gold in Paris There are six finalists in the team of the year. The White Ferns for their T20 Cricket World Cup success, Team New Zealand for claiming their third consecutive America's Cup, the Olympic champions the Black Fern Sevens, gold medal rowing pair Lucy Spoors and Brooke Francis and the two gold medal winning Olympic women's Canoe Sprint teams - the K2 and K4. There are five finalists for coach of the year. The include five time winner and kayak coach Gordon Walker, Black Fern Seven's coach Cory Sweeney, track cycling coach Jon Andrews along with James Sandilands and Aaron Osborne who coached Olympic Gold medallists and Sportsman of the Year finalists Hamish Kerr and Finn Butcher respectively. HALBERG AWARDS FINALISTS Sportswoman of the Year (eligible for Supreme Halberg Award) Ellesse Andrews (cycling-track), Dame Lisa Carrington (canoe racing), Amelia Kerr (cricket), Lydia Ko (golf), Erin Routliffe (tennis), Emma Twigg (rowing) Sportsman of the Year (eligible for Supreme Halberg Award) Finn Butcher (canoe slalom), Hamish Kerr (athletics-field), James McDonald (horse racing), Hayden Wilde (triathlon), Chris Wood (football) Para Athlete-Para Team of the Year (eligible for Supreme Halberg Award) Anna Grimaldi (Para athletics), Holly Robinson (Para athletics), Anna Taylor (Para cycling), Nicole Murray (Para cycling), William Stedman (Para athletics) Team of the Year (eligible for Supreme Halberg Award) Black Ferns (rugby-sevens), Lucy Spoors and Brooke Francis (rowing), Team New Zealand (sailing), White Ferns (cricket), Women's K2 Sprint Kayak (canoe racing), Women's K4 Sprint Kayak (canoe racing), Coach of the Year Jon Andrews (cycling-track), Nils Coberger (snow sports), James Coote (rowing), Ray Davies (sailing), Michael Jacobs (Para athletics), Andrew McFadzean (canoe polo), Aaron Osborne (canoe slalom), James Sandilands (athletics), Cory Sweeney (rugby-sevens), Gordan Walker (canoe racing), Damian Wiseman (Para cycling) Emerging Talent Tyler Bindon (football), Cormac Buchanan (motorcycling-road), Luke Harrold (snow sports), Ethan Olivier (athletics), Levi Townley (motorcycling-motocross), Erice Van Leuven (cycling-mountain bike)

Action from the 2024 U18 tournament which will be played at the Waitakere Netball Centre in 2025 PHOTO: MB PHOTOGRAPHY/NETBALL NZ Netball New Zealand has confirmed its three major domestic events for the 2025 calendar with three different venues around the country playing host The NZ U18 Champs will be played at Waitakere Netball Centre in Auckland from 7-10 July and will again feature a men’s grade for the third time. LATEST HEADLINES: Hyrum Harris returns to Wellington Saints ASB Classic wildcard slot for Simona Halep Hugo Inglis retires from Black Sticks Men Santner new Black Caps white ball captain Manawatu Jets sign American Kenny Goins The men’s division was introduced in 2023, and this year attracted six teams with Waitakere defending its title. The purpose-built indoor facility at Ngā Puna Wai in Christchurch will host the NetballSmart Netball NZ Open Champs from 10-13 September. The 10-court indoor facility opened its doors to netballers late 2023 and has been attracting some of the country’s elite netball events already. Meanwhile, the 2025 NZ Secondary Schools Netball Champs will move to Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua from 30 September to 3 October, where the top 16 secondary schools from around the country will compete for the coveted title. Netball NZ CEO Jennie Wyllie said they were looking forward to the three major domestic events which were an important part of the netball calendar. “There’s plenty to look forward to with the domestic calendar,” she said. “We have seen growth in the men’s U18 grade which continues to build on its success and next year the Open Champs will be played at the new venue in Christchurch. “Rounding out the season is the NZ Secondary School Netball Champs which always attracts plenty of interest and is a pinnacle tournament for our age-group netballers, who qualify to attend through performance at their regional events.” Netball NZ U18 Championships 2025 Dates: 7-10 July Venue: Waitakere Netball Centre in Auckland NetballSmart Netball NZ Open Champs 2025 Dates: 10-13 September Venue: Ngā Puna Wai in Christchurch NZ Secondary School Netball Champs 2025 Dates: 30 September to 3 October Venue: Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua

Hyrum Harris will return for a second NBL season with the Wellington Saints in 2025. PHOTO: WELLINGTON SAINTS The Wellington Saints have announced Hyrum Harris as their first player signing for the 2025 National Basketball League (NBL) season. Harris, confirmed on Wednesday, was instrumental in the team’s success during the 2024 season, bringing his energy, versatility, and leadership to the court. LATEST HEADLINES: ASB Classic wildcard slot for Simona Halep Hugo Inglis retires from Black Sticks Men Santner new Black Caps white ball captain Manawatu Jets sign American Kenny Goins Blyde joins NZ Warriors in cross-code coup Despite a mid-season knee injury, his impact on both ends of the floor solidified his reputation as one of the league’s standout players. He averaged 15.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, 5.2 assists and shot 56 percent from the floor in 12 games. Harris has also been making waves internationally. Recently, he delivered a strong performance for the Tall Blacks in FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers, showcasing his rebounding dominance and all-around game. Meanwhile, in the Australian NBL, he has been a key contributor for the Perth Wildcats, earning praise for his defensive mindset and ability to influence games beyond scoring, echoed by Saints head coach Aaron Young. "Being around him on a daily basis with the Wildcats and Tall Blacks, he has shown me how important he is for a group's success," Young said. "Bringing Hyrum back was a high priority for us as an organisation. His contagious energy brings a competitive spirit that fits what we want to be about. We will need his leadershiop and toughness every day, which I know he will bring consistently." Harris was eager to return to the Capital. "The 2024 season in Wellington was an incredible experience. I'm looking forward to teaming up with Aaron and the boys again to bring another title to the Saints in 2025."

Two-time Grand Slam champion, Simona Halep, who recently returned to the tennis courts after 15 months, has been granted a wildcard entry to the ASB Classic in Auckland. The Romanian is one of three players to earn wildcard entry directly into the main draw, along with 17-year-old Slovakian, Renata Jamrichova in the women’s field and Canadian Gabriel Diallo in the men. LATEST HEADLINES: Hugo Inglis retires from Black Sticks Santner new Black Caps white ball captain Manawatu Jets sign American Kenny Goins White Ferns impress for Sparks in HBJ Shield Blyde joins NZ Warriors in cross-code coup The women’s WTA 250-level tournament gets underway Monday 30 December, after final qualifying, with the men’s ATP 250 tournament from Monday 6 to Saturday 11 January 2025 Halep, 33, who was world No 1 for 15 months straight, returned to tennis in March following a successful appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS Tribunal), who supported her case against a four-year ban. She has a current WTA ranking of 877, “Simona automatically qualifies for an exemption wildcard under her status as a former world No 1 ranked player,” said Tournament Director, Nicolas Lamperin. “Now she faces a long road to return to the sport, and we will do our best to ensure she enjoys her experience back in Auckland, both on and off the court.” The Romanian has won 24 titles including two Grand Slams - Roland Garros in 2018 and Wimbledon in 2019 - and has twice played at the ASB Classic in 2011 and 2013. Jamrichova is from the other end of the tennis spectrum, a highly promising teen who won the junior women’s titles at the Australian Open and Wimbledon this year. She is the first Slovakian to claim the Wimbledon girls’ title and only the second female in the last 10 years to win multiple Grand Slam junior singles titles. She is already inside the top 400 players on the WTA rankings. Diallo, 23, turned pro last year but has already rocketed to 87 in the world rankings, just outside the automatic qualifiers for the tournament. Born in Montreal, his father is from Guinea and mother from Ukraine, and he ventured into tennis via a scholarship at the University of Kentucky. Standing a commanding 2.03m, Diallo has won three Challenger titles, made the final in an ATP 250 and the third round at the US Open after winning three rounds of qualifying. There is one additional wildcard spot for the men’s main draw, as well as a wildcard for both the men’s and women’s tournaments for the respective winners of the New Zealand playoffs.

Hugo Inglis in action in one of his 266 caps for New Zealand is stepping away from international play PHOTO: HOCKEY NZ New Zealand hockey star Hugo Inglis has officially announced his retirement, ending an impressive international career spanning nearly 15 years. Debuting in 2009, Inglis earned 266 caps for New Zealand, establishing himself as one of the nation’s most formidable attackers. LATEST HEADLINES: Santner new Black Caps white ball captain Manawatu Jets sign American Kenny Goins White Ferns impress for Sparks in HBJ Shield Blyde joins NZ Warriors in cross-code coup Ben Robb exits World Darts Championship Early on, it was obvious that Hugo was destined for greatness on the hockey field. Dave Ross, one of Inglis’s early coaches, recalls Hugo’s competitive nature and impressive skill with admiration. “From a young age, Hugo was probably one of the most competitive players that I had ever met. He was also one of the most skillful, developing a jink and a drag at a very young age. His work rate was huge… he would always look like he was half dead from exhaustion on the field but always kept on going! To me, Hugo was the complete package in sport…he’s fit, aggressive, combative, determined, and extremely skillful. A true world-class player.” Hugo is a four-time Olympian and four-time Commonwealth Games athlete. He was an integral member of the team that secured a bronze medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi and contributed to claiming silver at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. Hockey New Zealand CEO Anthony Crummy commended Hugo's contributions both on and off the field. "Hugo has been an exceptional force both on and off the field. His work ethic, professionalism, and tireless dedication to the team have consistently shined through. His sense of service and giving back is reflected off the turf too with his work with the charity High Impact Athletes, which exists to turn the sporting sector into a force for good. Hugo has left an indelible mark on not only hockey but also New Zealand sport, and he will be missed by hockey and sports fans across New Zealand and the world." Reflecting on his career, Inglis felt he had given his all to th esport. “I told the guys after Paris that after spending almost half my life as a Black Stick it was the right time for me to retire. The Olympics and other major events have been awesome but my fondest memories are the lifelong friendships made along the way. There is nothing better than playing for your country alongside some of your best mates and this is what I’ll miss most. Right now it is feeling a bit like a career of coulda, shoulda, woulda but I’m sure over time I’ll come to be pretty proud of what I achieved in the black shirt," he said. Looking to the future, Inglis is excited about now being a Black Sticks fan himself and says he has no doubt that the team’s best days are ahead!

Mitchell Santner has been appointed the new Black Caps white ball captain, officially taking over the role from Kane Williamson. Santner, who has represented New Zealand in 243 internationals, will take-on the permanent leadership mantle of both the ODI and T20 sides, after previously leading the team in 24 T20s and four ODIs. LATEST HEADLINES: Manawatu Jets sign American Kenny Goins White Ferns impress for Sparks in HBJ Shield Blyde joins NZ Warriors in cross-code coup Ben Robb exits World Darts Championship Black Caps score massive win over England The 32-year-old will officially begin his full-time captaincy tenure in the T20 and ODI series against Sri Lanka starting at Mt Maunganui on December 28. The two series begins a busy time of white ball cricket for the Black Caps, including an ODI Tri Series in Pakistan in February, followed by the ICC Champions Trophy and a home T20 and ODI series against Pakistan to conclude the New Zealand home summer. Santner said he was humbled to be asked to lead the white ball teams on a full-time basis. "It's obviously a huge honour and a privilege to be asked," said the all-rounder. "When you're a young kid the dream was always to play for New Zealand but to have the opportunity to officially lead my country in two formats is special. "It's a new challenge and I'm excited to get stuck into the important period of white ball cricket that we have ahead of us." Santner, who most recently led the side in last month's T20 and ODI series in Sri Lanka, is one of just four players to have represented New Zealand over 100 times in both ODI and T20 cricket. He first led the side in a T20 against West Indies in November 2020 and became New Zealand's 24th ODI captain when he led the side in the only ODI against Scotland in Edinburgh in 2022. He said it was an exciting time to lead both white ball sides. "There's obviously a little bit of a changing of the guard with some of our experienced players at the back end of their careers. "I think that's exciting for the remainder of the group and the young players to now take on the challenge and drive this team forward to further success." Head coach Gary Stead said Santner was a great fit for the role. "Mitch is a fantastic team man and leads by example in all facets of the game," said Stead. "He's an incredibly calm and collected personality and he has a huge amount of respect in the changing room, which will stand him in good stead. "He's had plenty of experience leading the T20 side and did a good job when he captained the ODI team last month, so he already has a good understanding of what it means to lead the team. "I'm sure Mitch will also bring his own ideas and style of leadership to the role." Stead said the decision to hand Santner the mantle for both white ball teams was one based on the needs of the wider team. "Tom's doing a great job as full-time Test captain since taking over in October and we're keen to allow him to focus on that job which requires a considerable amount of time and energy." The Black Caps squads for the T20 and ODI series' against Sri Lanka will be named on Monday.

American forward Kenny Goins will link up with the Manawatu Jets after playing in France last season. PHOTO: MICHIGAN STATE After a quiet opening to the National Basketball League's (NBL) free agency period, the Manawatu Jets have made a big splash. The Jets, who finished 1-19 last season before moving on from head coach Natu Taufale, announced the first import signing on Tuesday, with the addition of American power forward Kenny Goins. LATEST HEADLINES: White Ferns impress for Sparks in HBJ Shield Blyde joins NZ Warriors in cross-code coup Ben Robb exits World Darts Championship Black Caps score massive win over England Tim Payne staying with Wellington Phoenix The 6-foot-8 big from Michigan will link up with new head coach Tony Webster's squad in the New Year, joining young New Zealand point guard Dontae Russo-Nance. Goins has been without a team since May, having previously played for CSP Limoges in the French Elite League, averaging 3.6 points and 2.8 rebounds in 22 games, while shooting 64 percent inside the arc. The 28-year-old had a stellar four-year NCAA Division I career with Michigan State, appearing in 131 games, averaging 4.2 points and 5.1 rebounds. The Jets confirmed 19-year-old Russo-Nance two weeks ago, their first signing as Webster attempts to turnaround the perennial strugglers. The 6-foot-3 played seven games with the Otago Nuggets in the NBL last season, before getting injured. He averaged 11.4 points, 4.4 boards and 3.4 assists. He is currently a development player with the Perth Wildcats in the Australian NBL, where he has appeared in five games.

Suzie Bates (left) and Eden Carson starred as the Otago Sparks recorded two more wins in the HBJ Shield. PHOTOS: OTAGO CRICKET Outgoing head coach Craig Cumming's Otago Sparks are looking unstoppable after a sixth bonus-point victory in a row in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield. The relentless defending champions have banked the maximum 30 points from the first six-match phase of the national women's one-day competition that will now break for the Women's Super Smash holiday season window. LATEST HEADLINES: Blyde joins NZ Warriors in cross-code coup Ben Robb exits World Darts Championship Black Caps score massive win over England Tim Payne staying with Wellington Phoenix Jackson takes home NNZ's supreme award The Sparks were not the only ones to tick off a winning weekend, the Central Hinds scampering back up into second spot on the table, after twin bonus-point victories against the cellar-dwelling Canterbury Magicians at New Plymouth's Pukekura Park. The Hinds will have two more matches at Pukekura Park when the one-dayers resume in early-February, before a fascinating double showdown with the Sparks in Dunedin that could clear their own path to the final. Propelled by a Suzie Bates century and Eden Carson five-wicket bag in their latest victory, the Sparks have now opened up an impressive 15-point lead on the Hinds, the equivalent of three bonus-point wins, with just four matches remaining before the grand final at their home ground. The Wellington Blaze also made a big move up the ladder courtesy of two away wins against the Auckland Hearts, with the return of White Ferns stars Melie Kerr and Sophie Devine making the difference as they helped get the capital's campaign back on track. The Hearts consequently now drop from second to fourth, equal with the Blaze on 13 points, but ranked marginally behind on overall net run-rate. The HBJ Shield regular season consists of 10 rounds, the top-two qualifiers proceeding to a winner-takes-all grand final at Dunedin's University Oval on March 1.  The competition will resume on Saturday, February 8 in New Plymouth, Auckland and Wellington. Meanwhile, the country's White Ferns can head to this week's ODI series at the Basin Reserve in good one-day form as they get ready to contest the history-laden Rose Bowl against Australia. Bates and Kerr both chalked up match-winning centuries over the weekend, while spinner Carson's one-day bag of 5-24 in Dunedin was just shy of her career-best haul of 5-17. Maddy Green (Auckland) remains the top overall runscorer in the HBJ Shield with 325 runs from six innings and Carson is in a four-way tie with Ocean Bartlett (Central), Xara Jetly (Wellington) and Bree Illing (Auckland) - the sole pace bowler in the group - on 13 wickets at the top of the bowling statistics. The Women's Super Smash begins on Boxing Day at Hamilton's Seddon Park.

Michaela Blyde has made the switch from sevens to rugby league with the NZ Warriors. PHOTO: NZ WARRIORS Black Ferns Sevens star Michaela Blyde has been secured by the NZ Warriors in a major code-swap coup for the club’s return to the NRLW next year. The Taranaki-raised speedster will join the Warriors Wahine on a one-year deal, bringing with her an exceptional list of team and individual success on the world stage. LATEST HEADLINES: Ben Robb exits World Darts Championship Black Caps score massive win over England Tim Payne staying with Wellington Phoenix Jackson takes home NNZ's supreme award Lydia Ko, Day sixth at pairs event in Florida Among her achievements, the 28-year-old was the back-to-back World Rugby Sevens women’s player of the year in 2017 and 2018, was in the gold medal-winning Blacks Ferns squad at the 2020 and 2024 Olympic Games and won Commonwealth Games gold in 2018. Blyde was also in the Rugby World Cup Sevens winning team in 2018 and has helped the Black Ferns to six Women's World Sevens Series triumphs since 2013. She has scored almost 250 tries in more than 200 sevens tournaments. “This is so exciting, a real landmark day for the club and for the game, attracting a player of Michaela’s exceptional calibre to move from rugby union to join our NRLW squad,” said Warriors CEO Cameron George. “It says so much about the excitement the NRLW and rugby league generally is generating on the New Zealand sporting landscape.” Wariors NRLW head coach Ronald Griffiths is thrilled to have Blyde on board. “Michaela is an elite athlete who has succeeded through a steely focus and an unwavering determination. She’s a wonderful acquisition for our programme,” he said. “Her career has been underpinned by hard work while her attitude and blistering speed will hold her in good stead to transition successfully into the NRLW. “It was evident from when we first connected that Michaela was excited by this opportunity. We are equally as excited about her signing.” Blyde completed signing formalities late on Monday, paving the way for her code switch to rugby league. “A lot of excitement has been going through my mind,” she said. “I’ve been looking forward to this day for the last few months. To sign with the Warriors was a little bit of a surprise for me to be honest but nonetheless I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity the Warriors are offering me. “I’m excited to be a part of something that’s growing super, super quickly and you’d be silly not to want to be involved in it. “The Warriors are a team I grew up watching on TV. My family are rugby but when we knew the Warriors were playing on TV, we’d change the channel to watch them and support them.” First drafted into the Black Ferns Sevens team as a 17-year-old in 2013, Blyde followed her mother Cherry, who played for the Black Ferns in 1992.