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The women’s canoe sprint team for the Paris Olympic Games has been confirmed with six athletes set to wear the fern and paddle for New Zealand. The athletes will compete across the K1, K2 and K4 events at the Games, with New Zealand’s most successful Olympian Lisa Carrington to lead and contest all three disciplines. LATEST HEADLINES: Schmidt, Davidson selected for Paris Olympics Warriors steal NSW Cup win; U-21s also win Tall Blacks players on move in ANBL free agency Dylan Walker returns, Nicoll-Klokstad milestone Warriors reach Harold Matthews Cup grand final Will Shaun Johnson return to Warriors in 2025? The six-time Olympic medalist will be joined by Gisborne’s Alicia Hoskin in the K2, as the duo look to defend the gold medal won by Carrington and Caitlin Regal at the Tokyo Games. Carrington and Hoskin will also team up with Games debutants Tara Vaughan and Olivia Brett in the K4. The quartet go into the Games as World Champions, having last year won New Zealand’s first ever world title in the big boat.Rio 2016 Olympian Aimee Fisher also makes her Olympic return. She’ll contest the K1 500m, as well as the K2 500 where she’ll be joined in the boat by the bolter of the squad Dunedin’s Lucy Matehaere. It will be Carrington's fourth Olympic Games and she says it is “such a privilege” to be named on a New Zealand Olympic team. “For me, every Olympics is about learning, growing, seeing how fast I can go, and also about the amazing people and athletes that I get to paddle with,” said Carrington “I’m really excited to go to another Olympic Games, this is a great team and I’m looking forward to the competition.” Debutant Tara Vaughan says that being selected for the Olympic team is a very special moment in her paddling career. .“As a team, we talk about building the mana of the black boat, which includes our family, friends and supporters, and I’m really lucky to have the opportunity to do that,” said Vaughan.It is the first time New Zealand has ever qualified and named six female canoe sprint athletes for an Olympic Games. Canoe Racing New Zealand General Manager of Performance, Nathan Luce, said it took a lot of work and effort to get six athletes on the team."It’s been a full team effort, from coaches, athletes, support staff and athletes who were trialing and didn't make the end squad," said Luce. "It's been a three year process and to see it produce six spots for the Games is special and we’re excited to see what we can do in Paris. The Olympic canoe sprint events begin in Paris on August 6th  and run until August 10th at the new architecturally-designed Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium, the first water complex of its kind in Europe. The full team is: Dame Lisa Carrington - K1 500, K2 500 (with Alicia Hoskin), K4 500 Alicia Hoskin - K2 500, K4 500 Tara Vaughan - K4 500 (reserve for K2 500) Olivia Brett - K4 500 (reserve for K2 500) Aimee Fisher - K1 500, K2 500 (with Lucy Matehaere) Lucy Matehaere - K2 500 (reserve for K4 500)

A 30-strong Black Ferns squad for the Pacific Four Series has been named to play in the three home Tests in Hamilton, Auckland and Christchurch. Black Ferns coaches, Allan Bunting, Steve Jackson, Mike Delany, Tony Christie and Dan Cron have rewarded Sky Super Rugby Aupiki form with the competition’s top performers named in the first squad of the year, with three players in line for Test debuts. Stand-out Blues lock Maama Vaipulu will be joined by the exciting young pairing of Matatū halfback Maia Joseph and Hurricanes Poua first five-eighth Hannah King in the squad for the first time. LATEST HEADLINES: Ice Blacks second at IIHF World Championships NZ Warriors hold top NSW Cup team to draw Warriors make two changes for Knights clash Surgery for Tactix's Aliyah Dunn, Bird stays on Hourigan wins 13th WTT doubles title in China Powerful Blues tighthead prop Aldora Itunu earns her first Black Ferns call up since 2021, while converted Matatū loosehead prop Marcelle Parkes and tenacious Hurricanes Poua midfielder Monica Tagoai return for the first time since 2019 and 2018 respectively. Black Ferns Director of Rugby Allan Bunting said the intense nature of the Super Rugby Aupiki competition has made for a competitive selection process. “We are hugely excited by the squad we have selected for the Pacific Four series. We have seen these players perform strongly during Super Rugby Aupiki and their selection is credit to their consistent form across the competitive season. “This series is extremely important for us, not only to provide an opportunity to expose our new players to the international stage, but to seek qualification up for the WXV1 tournament at the end of the year.” The Black Ferns will open their 2024 season on home soil, when they take on USA at FMG Stadium Waikato, in the first Test of the Pacific Four Series. The Test match will be the first of three, with the remaining two Tests taking place in Christchurch and Auckland, which doubles as the O'Reilly Cup presented by Ryman Healthcare. “We are looking forward to the upcoming months. To have the opportunity for our whānau and fans to see the team is special. We are excited about the challenge that lies ahead for us, and we feel the support of Aotearoa when they are cheering us on,” said Bunting. The Black Ferns team is (Age/Super Club/Province/Test caps): Loosehead Props Kate Henwood (35, Chiefs Manawa, Bay of Plenty, 4) Chryss Viliko (23, Blues, Auckland, 2) Marcelle Parkes (26, Matatū, Canterbury, 5) Hookers Luka Connor (27, Chiefs Manawa, Bay of Plenty, 20) Georgia Ponsonby (24, Matatū, Canterbury, 20) Leaso Grace Gago Tiatia (25, Blues, Counties Manukau, 1) Tighthead Props Tanya Kalounivale (25, Chiefs Manawa, Waikato, 11) Amy Rule (23, Matatū, Canterbury, 19) Aldora Itunu (32, Blues, Auckland, 24) Locks Maiakawanakaulani Roos (22, Blues, Auckland, 21) Charmaine Smith (33, Chiefs Manawa, Northland, 29) Maama Vaipulu (21, Blues, Auckland, new cap) Alana Bremner (27, Matatū, Canterbury, 19) Loose Forwards Kennedy Simon (27, Chiefs Manawa, Waikato, 20) (Co-Captain) Layla Sae (23, Hurricanes Poua, Manawatū, 3) Liana Mikaele-Tu’u (22, Blues, Auckland, 18) Kaipo Olsen-Baker (21, Matatū, Manawatū, 2) Halfbacks Iritana Hohaia (24, Hurricanes Poua, Taranaki, 6) Maia Joseph (21, Matatū, Otago, new cap) First Five-Eighths Ruahei Demant (29, Blues, Auckland, 33) (Co-Captain) Hannah King (20, Hurricanes Poua, Canterbury, new cap) Midfield Logo i Pulotu Lemapu Atai'i (Sylvia) Brunt (20, Blues, Auckland, 13) Amy du Plessis (24, Matatū, Canterbury, 14) Grace Steinmetz (26, Chiefs Manawa, Canterbury, 2) Monica Tagoai (25, Hurricanes Poua, Wellington, 3) Outside Backs Ruby Tui (32, Chiefs Manawa, Counties Manukau, 13) Mererangi Paul (25, Chiefs Manawa, Counties Manukau, 5) Katelyn Vahaakolo (24, Blues, Auckland, 6) Patricia Maliepo (21, Blues, Auckland, 7) Renee Holmes (24, Chiefs Manawa, Waikato, 16) Unavailable for selection: Ayesha Leti-I'iga (knee), Awhina Tangen Wainohu (neck), Joanah Ngan-Woo (ankle), Santo Taumata (knee), Sophie Fisher (neck). Pacific Four Series Schedule (New Zealand times and dates listed) Black Ferns v USA, Saturday 11 May, 2.05pm, FMG Stadium Waikato, HAMILTON Black Ferns v Canada, Sunday 19 May, 4.35pm, Apollo Projects Stadium, CHRISTCHURCH Black Ferns v Australia, Saturday 25 May, 2.05pm, North Harbour Stadium, AUCKLAND (O’Reilly Cup, presented by Ryman Healthcare).

Christchurch is set to play host to a third successive Fast Netball World Series later this year at Wolfbrook Arena. World Netball awarded Netball New Zealand the hosting rights in 2021, for the following three years after it made a return to the international arena following an absence of four years. Showcasing the vibrant nature of Fast5 for both players and spectators, Christchurch was seen as the best location to host having stepped up in the past for the event. LATEST HEADLINES: Kiwi Kirk Penney joins FIBA Hall of Fame Black Ferns named for Pacific Four Series Ice Blacks second at IIHF World Championships NZ Warriors hold top NSW Cup team to draw Warriors make two changes for Knights clash “We are delighted that NNZ has been able to showcase the tournament back on the world stage after it hadn’t been visible for a number of years,’’ said Netball New Zealand Chief Executive Jennie Wyllie. “Christchurch and everyone involved in staging this event have done an exceptional job in producing a successful two-day entertainment showpiece.” Fans have embraced the party-like atmosphere, with passionate supporters dressed in bright colours and costume-dress to the spectacle from all over New Zealand and overseas. Adding to the unique setting of the high tempo version of the game, the players also play their part while negotiating three different scoring zones, power players and unlimited rolling substitutions with a mix of dazzling play, tactical nous and an element of fun. Christchurch has hosted six of the world’s premier women’s teams over the past two years. Another innovation was introducing for the first time ever a three-team men’s competition, a first for males playing alongside females in a WN event. With the foundations well set, WN will be looking to continue the trend of keeping FAST5 a visible and prominent spectacle on the international calendar when awarding the next hosting rights. WN’s Head of Events, Kate Agnew, added: “We are thrilled that the dates have been confirmed for the Fast5 Netball World Series’ third year in New Zealand, with Christchurch once again the host city." Ticketing for the 9-10 November event and team announcements will be made at a later date.

There's still four trans-Tasman clashes in Super Rugby Pacific Round 11 this weekend and perhaps a few nerves for the New Zealand teams. The Hurricanes had their first loss of the season last weekend, beaten by the ACT Brumbies, but this time they are at home, hosting the NSW Waratahs on Friday night (kick-off 7.05pm) at Sky Stadium. LATEST HEADLINES: Ferns named in A-League team of the season Kiwi Kirk Penney joins FIBA Hall of Fame Black Ferns named for Pacific Four Series Ice Blacks second at IIHF World Championships NZ Warriors hold top NSW Cup team to draw On Saturday, the Crusaders will welcome the Reds to chilly Christchurch for a late afternoon match (kick-off 4.35pm), followed by the Chiefs ushering the Western Force into their home ground in Hamilton (kick-off 7.05pm). Two New Zealand franchises are on the round this weekend, with the second-placed Blues heading to Australia to face the Melbourne Rebels at AAMI Park on Friday (kick-off 9.35pm NZ Time), while the Highlanders face a tricky trip to Lautoka, Tonga to battle Moana Pasifika on Saturday (kick-off 2.05pm). Hurricanes vs NSW Waratahs Friday, 7.05pm, Sky Stadium, Wellington Hawke’s Bay hooker Kianu Kereru-Symes will start at hooker against the Waratahs on Friday night as a result of James O’Reilly out with concussion and Asafo Aumua a major knee issue. TJ Perenara is on the bench as is Du 'Plessis Kirifi and Jordie Barrett. HURRICANES: Ruben Love, Josh Moorby, Billy Proctor (capt), Riley Higgins, Bailyn Sullivan, Brett Cameron, Richard Judd, Brayden Iose, Peter Lakai, Devan Flanders, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Caleb Delany, Tyrel Lomax, Kianu Kereru-Symes, Pouri Rakete-Stones. Reserves: Raymond Tuputupu, Xavier Numia, Pasilio Tosi, Justin Sangster, Du’Plessis Kirifi, TJ Perenara, Jordie Barrett, Salesi Rayasi Blues vs Melbourne Rebels Friday, 9.35pm AAMI Park, Melbourne The Blues can overtake the Hurricanes at the top of the table if they can win and a bonus point. The Rebels were blasted by the Crusaders last week, but are much better side at home. Notable for the Blues is Cam Suafoa back after battling cancer treatment in what will be a very special game for him and the Blues side. Blues: Cole Forbes, Mark Tele’a, Rieko Ioane, AJ Lam, Caleb Clarke, Harry Plummer, Taufa Funaki, Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papali’i, Anton Segner, Laghlan McWhannell, Patrick Tuipulotu (capt), PJ Sheck*, Ricky Riccitelli, Ofa Tu’ungafasi. Reserves: Kurt Eklund, Joshua Fusitu’a, Marcel Renata, Sam Darry, Cam Suafoa, Sam Nock, Corey Evans, Bryce Heem. Moana Pasifika vs Highlanders Saturday 2.05pm, Teufaiva Stadium, Nukuʻalofa, Tonga It's almost a novelty, a Pacific Island side playing ... in the Pacific Islands as Tonga hosts a special game for both sides. Unfortunately, the crazy All Blacks rest week has come at the wrong time for the Highlanders, with Ethan de Groot set to be duck shooting rather than helping his side out on the field. It's a dangerous game for the Highlanders as a 'home' crowd will be difficult to beat. HIGHLANDERS: Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Tanielu Tele’a, Jake Te Hiwi, Connor Garden-Bachop, Cameron Millar, Folau Fakatava, Billy Harmon (capt), Sean Withy, Oliver Haig, Fabian Holland, Mitch Dunshea, Saula Ma’u, Henry Bell, Daniel Lienert-Brown. Reserves: Jack Taylor, Ayden Johnstone, Jermaine Ainsley, Will Tucker, Nikora Broughton, James Arscott, Sam Gilbert, Martin Bogado MOANA PASIFIKA: William Havili, Viliami Fine, Henry Taefu, Julian Savea, Fine Inisi, Christian Lealiifano, Jonathan Taumateine, Lotu Inisi, Sione Havili Talitui (c), Jacob Norris, Allan Craig, Tom Savage, Sione Mafileo, Samiuela Moli, Abraham Pole. Reserves: Sama Malolo, Sateki Latu, Sekope Kepu, Ola Tauelangi, Solomone Funaki, Ere Enari, Danny Toala, Neria Fomai Crusaders vs Queensland Reds Saturday, 4.35pm at Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch Former Welsh international Leigh Halfpenny is one of the notable selections for the Crusaders this week and is also one of the oldest at 35 to make a Super Rugby debut as well. Halfpenny is at fullback while David Havili is at first-five at the request of Scott Robertson. He's the fourth different pivot in recent weeks. The Reds have been a hot and cold side. Who knows which one will turn up against the Crusaders. CRUSADERS: Leigh Halfpenny, Johnny McNicholl, Levi Aumua, Dallas McLeod, Sevu Reece, David Havili, Mitchell Drummond, Christian Lio-Willie, Ethan Blackadder, Cullen Grace, Quinten Strange, Scott Barrett (capt), Fletcher Newell, Brodie McAlister, George Bower. Reserves: George Bell, Joe Moody, Owen Franks, Jamie Hannah, Corey Kellow, Noah Hotham, Rivez Reihana, Chay Fihaki Chiefs vs Western Force Saturday, 7.05pm at Stadium Waikato, Hamilton A few changes for the Chiefs with talented fullback Shaun Stevenson out with a hamstring injury, All Blacks hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho and veteran lock Jimmy Tupou also injured. Etene Nanai-Seturo switches to fullback, in place of Stevenson who is out with a hamstring injury. Naitoa Ah Kuoi returns at lock to partner Tupou Vaa'i while Luke Jacobson returns with a spot on the bench. The Force beat the Crusaders and then lost by a point to the Highlanders meaning they're no pushovers. CHIEFS: Etene Nanai-Seturo, Emoni Narawa, Anton Lienert-Brown, Quinn Tupaea, Daniel Rona, Damian McKenzie, Cortez Ratima, Wallace Sititi, Kaylum Boshier (capt), Samipeni Finau, Tupou Vaa’i, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, George Dyer, Bradley Slater, Aidan Ross. Reserves: Tyrone Thompson, Ollie Norris, Kauvaka Kaivelata, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Luke Jacobson, Simon Parker, Xavier Roe, Josh Ioane

Blowouts have been common in the National Basketball League (NBL) but the Bay Hawks took it to a new level. The Hawks built a 24-point lead by halftime and cruised to a 105-74 win over the first-year Mid-North Whai to open Week 6 at Napier's Pettigrew Green Arena on Wednesday night. LATEST HEADLINES:    Fast5 Netball World Series heads to Christchurch Tall Blacks' Kirk Penney joins FIBA Hall of Fame Black Ferns squad named for Pacific Four Series Ice Blacks second at IIHF World Championship NZ Warriors hold top NSW Cup team to draw Australian guard Keanu Rasmussen top-scored for the Hawks, with 27 points (10/16 FG, 3/5 3pt, 4/5 FT), five rebounds and four steals, while import centre Josh Roberts put up a monster double-double of 23 points (10/14 FG, 3/3 FT) and 19 boards. Fellow American Luke Sutherland scored 17 points (6/16 FG, 2/5 3pt, 3/3 FT), import guard Isaiah Moore 14 points (6/12 FG) and 11 assists, and Tall Blacks forward Jordan Ngatai 13 points (4/10 FG, 3/8 3pt). American shooting guard Demarcus Holland top-scored for the Whai with 23 points (8/13 FG, 2/3 3pt, 5/6 FT), while Vance Jackson Jr added 16 points (6/13 FG, 2/6 3pt) and four boards. Tall Blacks guard Kruz Perrott-Hunt put up 11 points (5/8 FG), import big man Phil Carr seven points, 12 rebounds and five assists, and former 3x3 Tall Blacks guard Jayden Bezzant nine points and four boards. The game-changing phase came late in the first quarter and early second period. Down 14-10 with 3:46 remaining in the first, the Hawks reeled off a 25-4 run, including 11 points from Roberts, to lead 35-18 with 6:35 to play in the half. That stretched to 24 points at the main break. The Whai scored the first 10 points of the third period to pull within 14 but that was as close as the visitors got, with the Hawks' bench scoring the game's last eight points, including Jackson Ball's three at the buzzer. The Hawks (3-3) return to action on Saturday (tip-off 7.30pm) at the Auckland Tuatara (6-2), while the Whai (2-5) have off until hosting the Otago Nuggets (3-2) in Tauranga next Wednesday (tip-off 7.30pm). Bay Hawks 105 (Keanu Rasmussen 27, Josh Roberts 23, Luke Sutherland 17, Isaiah Moore 14, Jordan Ngatai 13) Mid-North Whai 74 (Demarcus Holland 23, Vance Jackson Jr 16, Kruz Perrott-Hunt 11). 1Q: 24-16, HT: 54-30, 3Q: 77-54

One of New Zealand’s most accomplished Tall Blacks, Kirk Penney, has been announced into the 2024 Class of the FIBA Hall of Fame. The FIBA Hall of Fame is a shrine dedicated to athletes and coaches who have built the foundations of the global sport of basketball since its birth; honouring great men and women who have been outstanding in the improvement and development of the sport around the globe. Penney emerged out of Westlake Boys High School, then going on to play at the University of Wisconsin. He first suited up for the Tall Blacks game in 1999 as an 18-year-old. LATEST HEADLINES: Black Ferns named for Pacific Four Series Ice Blacks second at IIHF World Championships NZ Warriors hold top NSW Cup team to draw Warriors make two changes for Knights clash Surgery for Tactix's Aliyah Dunn, Bird stays on Penney went on to make 179 appearances for the Tall Blacks, scoring over 2,000 points for New Zealand at international level and developing a reputation as a dominating scorer and outside shooter. He appeared in two Olympics for New Zealand - 2000 in Sydney and 2004 in Athens – as well as multiple FIBA competitions around the world. Penney captained New Zealand to a gold medal at the 2009 FIBA Oceania Championship over Australia with averages of 23.5ppg, 6.5rpg and 7apg. But it is at the World Cup level – the pinnacle event for basketball athletes – that Kirk has truly made his mark. As the only player to appear in four World Cups for New Zealand, Kirk has featured in four consecutive World Championships between 2002 and 2014. He was part of the Tall Blacks' memorable 2002 World Championships campaign as they finished fourth; scoring 16.9ppg while hitting 45.5% from beyond the arc. At the 2010 World Championships in Turkey he opened with 37 against basketball powerhouse Lithuania; going on to be the second highest scorer in the entire tournament with 24.7ppg. In 27 games played at FIBA World Cup level, Penney currently ranks fifth all-time in three pointers made with 60, six all-time in free throws made (97), seventh all-time in field goals made (145) and the twelfth leading scorer of all-time (447). In joining teammate Pero Cameron as only the second New Zealander to ever be inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame, Penney says it is an honour and privilege. “It’s an incredible honour for me, and probably more than anything it’s a testament to all the hard work by a great group pf people. We took enormous pride in carrying the kiwi flag around the world,” says Penney. “We shared some amazing experiences over the years and I think I was truly blessed to play with a couple of generations of really good New Zealand basketball players - and to be a part of building a foundation for future New Zealand basketball success. This honour brings back a boat load of incredible memories on the global stage with great people.” Some of his favourite memories have come on basketball’s biggest stage; not just the on-court success but with the comradery and mindset of the teams he was a part of. “Playing in the Olympics games is so special, we’ve been able to play in a couple of them and it was really neat – something that we’ll never forget. “Being able to compete in the semi-finals in 2002 [at the FIBA World Champs] will always stand as an incredible achievement. That team was a very special team; positionally we had all the bases covered and we had a courageous mindset. “Any time we took down a high-level global team was really satisfying; it was always important to all of us that any time we went to a World Cup or an Olympics, that we went through to at least the knock-out stages; we weren’t just a team attending, but we were there to compete to try and win it all. Even though no one would’ve expected it from us. “We always felt like we could play with the best, compete with them and be in a position to win it at the end of games. That was a mentality that took years to mould; previously the Tall Blacks had played in one World Cup, so we had to stand on the shoulders of those before us and trailblazer a bit with that group – I think we did a great job carving a path for that next generation.” Looking ahead to the Tall Black’s Olympic Qualifiers campaign in July, Penney says that the Tall Blacks athletes have a chance to create history for New Zealand by qualifying for the Paris Olympics. “I would hope there’s a lot of belief in this current group, I haven’t been around the team too much but I obviously know the people well who are spearheading it from a coaching standpoint. “Considering this year’s FIBA Olympic Qualifying tournament, we have a huge challenge ahead of us, we want to be in the best possible form in a couple of months.” “I wish the team the best and hope they play with incredible intensity - and play smart – to put themselves in a position to win. It’s not an easy pool with Slovenia and Croatia; these qualifying tournaments are incredibly difficult to play in as there’s so much on the line. But we’ve proven in recent years that we’ve been in games – especially early on – and it’s about us maintaining leads and doing the little things really well, getting the fundamentals right and believing we can win.” Kirk says he was overwhelmed with joy when he first was called to represent the Tall Blacks in 1999. “Being called to represent my country, to wear the black jersey on behalf of New Zealand, has always been important to me. Those I played with always wanted to answer that call and we were proud of the honour that had been bestowed upon us.” “There’s no higher honour for your country as a sportsperson, although professionalism has shifted mindsets it’s always something an athlete will look back on with immense pride after their career. I hope that every young Kiwi baller has aspirations of putting on that black jersey, it’s an incredible feeling.” Penney will officially be enshrined in the FIBA Hall of Fame later this year, travelling to Singapore on 14 September for the Enshrinement Ceremony. He will join six other players - including NBA stars Reggie Miller and Peja Stojakovic - and a coach, who are all being formally recognised for their outstanding contributions to basketball. Kirk Penney - FIBA Career (1999-2014) 1999 William Jones Cup (Champions) 2000 Olympic Games 2001 Goodwill Games 2002 FIBA World Championship 2004 Olympic Games 2005 FIBA Oceania Championship, 2nd place (Silver) 2006 FIBA World Championship 2007 Stanković Cup 2007 FIBA Oceania Championship, 2nd place (Silver) 2008 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2009 FIBA Oceania Championship, 1st place (Gold) 2010 FIBA World Championship 2011 Stanković Cup, 1st place (Gold) 2011 FIBA Oceania Championship, 2nd place (Silver) 2014 FIBA World Championship

The New Zealand Ice Blacks have secured silver medals at the 2024 IIHF Division II Group B tournament in Sofia, Bulgaria. The medal was the team’s first since 2019, and an improvement on the 2023 championship result where the team finished fourth overall. LATEST HEADLINES:  NZ Warriors hold top NSW Cup team to draw Warriors make two changes for Knights clash Surgery for Tactix's Aliyah Dunn, Bird stays on Hourigan wins 13th WTT doubles title in China NZ swimming team selected for Paris Games The team MVP was Stefan Amston, who finished with five goals and four assists, and was named best defenceman for the tournament. Ice Blacks goaltender Csaba Kercso-Magos was ranked second at the tournament, with a 90.91 save percentage and 3.33 goals against average. Forward Jackson Fontaine led the tournament and the team with seven goals, scoring in four of five games, while captain Matthew Schneider, Colin McIntosh, Michael Attwell and Ryan Strayer all potted two goals. Three New Zealand skaters - Amston (nine), Fontaine (eight) and McIntosh (seven) - all finished in the top-10 in points. "While it’s not the gold we had hoped for, we are still incredibly proud of the team and what they’ve accomplished here in Bulgaria," said co-head coach AJ Spiller. "With nine rookies on the team this year, the future is looking bright for the Ice Blacks." The team was forced to wait until the last game of the tournament, Georgia vs Belgium, to find out if they would receive a silver or bronze medals, with the top-three places at tournament still undecided. Belgium defeated Georgia, maintaining their unbeaten run at the tournament, awarding the silver medal to the Kiwis, with the Georgians taking home bronze. The Ice Blacks opened with wins over Chinese Taipei (5-1) and Georgia (6-2), before a 7-6 shootout loss to Bulgaria. After a 6-0 shutout against Belgium, they closed with a 5-2 victory over Turkiye. New Zealand scored four goals in the third period to beat Chinese Taipei, while they lead 4-1 after two periods against Georgia. The 11 goals came from eight different scorers. The Ice Blacks came from 5-2 down against Bulgaria, with Amston scoring two goals in the third period, the last with 20 seconds remaining, to complete his hat-trick and send the game to overtime. They eventually fell 3-0 in the shootout. Fontaine had two goals in the first period against Turkiye, finishing off a hat-trick of his own in the third of a comfortable win. ICE BLACKS RESULTS New Zealand 5 (Jacob Carey, Stefan Amston, Jackson Fontaine, Matthew Schneider, Colin McIntosh) Chinese Taipei 1 New Zealand 6 (Colin McIntosh, Stefan Amston, Ryan Strayer, Michael Attwell, Robin Vortanov, Jackson Fontaine) Georgia 2 Bulgaria 7 New Zealand 6 (Stefan Amston 3, Jackson Fontaine 2, Matthew Schneider) in shootout Belgium 6 New Zealand 0 New Zealand 5 (Jackson Fontaine 3, Michael Attwell, Ryan Strayer) Turkiye 2

Fullback Taine Tuaupiki has proved a goal-kicking saviour for the NZ Warriors’ New South Wales Cup side for the second week running. Last week, his high-pressure conversion after the siren sealed a dramatic 26-24 win over the St George Illawarra, and on Saturday he was the man of the moment again in the home side’s Round 8 clash against the unbeaten Penrith Panthers at North Harbour Stadium. LATEST HEADLINES:  Warriors make two changes for Knights clash Surgery for Tactix's Aliyah Dunn, Bird stays on Hourigan wins 13th WTT doubles title in China NZ swimming team selected for Paris Games NZ Warriors claim U-17 Harold Matthews Cup The Warriors led for more than 70 minutes of the contest, only for Penrith to snatch a converted try to go 22-20 ahead with eight minutes to play. It stayed that way until the dying stages when the home side received a penalty and opted to take the two points on offer, Tuaupiki obliging to seal a 22-22 draw and stop the Panthers securing a seventh straight win. Tuaupiki’s goal kicking was the difference for the Warriors yet again. In the win over the Dragons he converted all four of the Warriors tries and added a penalty, while St George Illawarra converted only two of their five tries. Tuaupiki converted all three of his side’s tries and kicked two penalties against the Panthers but the visitors missed a conversion. The Warriors made a hot start to the contest, with promoted Jersey Flegg Cup halfback - and ex-Panthers junior - Luke Hanson scoring in the first minute before Penrith hit back 10 minutes later. Warriors hooker Makaia Tafua went over in the 16th minute and interchange forward Kayliss Fatialofa followed in the 21st minute to extend the Warriors’ advantage to 18-4. Penrith added a second try through fullback Isaiah Iongi before Tuaupiki slotted a penalty just before halftime to have the Warriors 20-10 ahead at the break. It was not until the last 20 minutes that Penrith was able to break down the resilient Warriors as they scored through Trent Toelau and Jesse McLean to take a 22-20 lead and threaten to deny the young Warriors side any reward – until Tuaupiki rescued a point. That lifted the Warriors to ninth on the ladder with seven points. They had to wait six weeks before savouring their first win of the Jersey Flegg Cup (under-21) season, now the Warriors have nailed their second win in as many games after stunning Penrith 28-22 on Saturday. The upset result followed the Warriors’ 28-22 success against St George Illawarra in Wollongong last week. Against Penrith, they conceded the first of two tries to visiting wing Nick Murphy after 11 minutes but then countered with rapid-fire tries to each of their wing Robin Strong and Phranklyn Mano-Le-Mamea for a 12-4 lead. By halftime it was trimmed to 12-8 through Murphy’s second try and then became a 14-12 deficit early in the second half after a converted Jaxon Edgar try. It spurred the Warriors to produce what would be the match-winning phase of the contest featuring three players who started the season playing in the club's SG Ball Cup (under-19) side. Three tries flowed in the space of 13 minutes through interchange forward Alvin Ching-Nee (47th minute), centre Nganaiaiafu Vake (52nd minute) and fullback Motu Pasikala (60th minute). With two of them converted, the Warriors had gone from two points back to lead 28-14. A late converted Blake Moore try dragged Penrith within eight points but the Warriors were home and safe for another well-earned victory. After conceding an average of almost 40 points in their first three games of the season, the Warriors’ defence has improved vastly allowing an average of just 20 points in their last four matches.

A team of nine swimmers has been named to represent New Zealand at the 2024 Paris Olympics in July-August. The team is led by current world champions, Wellingtonian Lewis Clareburt and Dunedin's Erika Fairweather. LATEST HEADLINES: NZ Warriors claim U-17 Harold Matthews Cup Confidence-boosting win for Mainland Tactix Multiple top-10 for NZ golfers around globe ICC Black Caps name T20 World Cup squad Scott McLaughlin wins Alabama Grand Prix Clareburt won the men's 400m individual medley at this year’s World Aquatics Championships in Doha, while Fairweather picked up her title in the women's 400m freestyle, as well as claiming silver in the women's 200m freestyle and bronze in the women's 800m freestyle. “I’m so keen to get to Paris,” said Fairweather. “It’s always special getting to compete at this level, so much hard work goes on behind the scenes to prepare for the Olympics and I can’t wait to showcase it. “Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be an Olympian, let alone going to my second Games,” added Clareburt. “It’s a huge privilege, I can’t wait to represent New Zealand and put the pūkana on the world stage." The pair will be joined by fellow Tokyo Olympian Eve Thomas, who will also have a busy programme, contesting four events, the women's 400m freestyle, 800m freestyle, 1500m freestyle and 4x200m freestyle relay. The other six athletes will make their Olympic debuts in Paris after swimming qualification times at the New Zealand Swimming Championships earlier this month. Hazel Ouwehand was one of the standout performers at the meet, storming home in the women's 100m butterfly in a New Zealand record time of 57.43 seconds, almost half a second under the Paris qualifying time “Going to the Olympics has been a dream of mine since I was super young so it’s pretty special to see it realised,” said Ouwehand. “I’m really excited for the Games, it’s going to be an amazing field of athletes and I can’t wait to put all my hard work and training into action.” For 200m men's backstroker Kane Follows the selection is particularly sweet. The 27-year-old has been on the cusp of making the national team for years, with the Paris Olympics to be his international representative debut. “This has been a grind, I’ve missed a lot of teams but I’ve stuck at it, I’ve given so much to the sport and it feels so good to get this result,” said Follows. “Sport is a lot of ups and downs but it’s all worth it for this feeling.” Taiko Torepe-Ormsby and Cameron Gray are the other men in the Olympic squad. Torepe-Ormsby produced the fastest men's 50m freestyle swim ever by a New Zealander (21.86 seconds) as he qualified for Paris, while Gray beat his own New Zealand record in the men's 100m freestyle. Caitlin Deans and Laticia Leigh Transom round out the team, contesting the women’s 4x200m freestyle relay, alongside Fairweather and Thomas. Swimming New Zealand Olympic programme lead Gary Francis said they were excited about the potential of the squad. “To have nine quality athletes heading to the Games is fantastic,” said Francis.“We’ve got a great mix of experienced campaigners and exciting young talent in this team. "We were thrilled with the times these athletes swam at the New Zealand Swimming Championships earlier this month and we’re expecting some special performances in Paris in a few months' time. The Paris 2024 swimming competition will be contested from July 27-August 4 at the Paris La Defense Arena, the largest indoor events venue in Europe. NEW ZEALAND SWIMMING TEAM Paris Olympics, July 27-August 4 Men Lewis Clareburt (200m individual medley, 400m individuual medley, 200m butterfly) Kane Follows (200m backstroke) Cameron Gray (100m freestyle) Taiko Torepe-Ormsby (50m freestyle) Women Caitlin Deans (4x200m freestyle relay) Erika Fairweather (200m freestyle, 400m freestyle, 800m freestyle, 4x200m freestyle relay) Hazel Ouwehand (100m butterfly) Eve Thomas (400m freestyle, 800m freestyle, 1500m freestyle, 4x200m freestyle relay) Laticia Leigh Transom (4x200m freestyle relay) All selections are conditional on confirmation of an Olympic quota place which should be received early July.

Shooter Ellie Bird's temporary replacement player status with the Mainland Tactix has now become permanent. Bird will remain with the undefeated Christchurch-based ANZ Premiership leaders after goal shoot Aliyah Dunn required surgery on a serious knee injury, ruling her out of the game for 4-6 months. LATEST HEADLINES: Hourigan claims WTT doubles title in China NZ swimming team selected for Paris Games NZ Warriors claim U-17 Harold Matthews Cup Confidence-boosting win for Mainland Tactix Multiple top-10 for NZ golfers around globe The Tactix had previously announced Dunn's pre-season knee injury on April 10, ruling her out of the first two rounds of the competition, before confirming her surgery on Monday, hours before the team's 62-59 win over the Northern Mystics in Auckland. Bird, who retired from netball last year, has played in all three matches this season, converting 91.7 percent (122-of-133) of her shot attempts, second only to the Northern Stars' Summer Temu. The 31-year-old played her 100th national league match in the Tactix's season-opening 52-35 win over the Southern Steel, having played 85 times for the Tactix and 15 matches for the Lees Rhinos in the Netball Super League. The Tactix face the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic at Hamilton's Globox Arena on Monday night (first-pass 7.30pm).

New Zealand's Paige Hourigan has claimed the 13th doubles title of her career, winning the US$50,000 World Tennis Tour (WTT) tournament in Wuning, China with India's Rutuja Bhosale. In a dramatic final on Saturday, Hourigan and Bhosale defeated the Chinese Taipei duo of Cho I-Hsuan and Cho Yi Tsen 5-7 7-6 (5) 12-10. LATEST HEADLINES:   * NZ swimming team selected for Paris Games * NZ Warriors claim U-17 Harold Matthews Cup * Confidence-boosting win for Mainland Tactix * Multiple top-10 for NZ golfers around globe * Black Caps name ICC T20 World Cup squad It was Hourigan’s second title of the year, having triumphed in Burnie, Australia in February with fellow Kiwi Erin Routliffe and it comes on the back of a strong run of results at the Billie Jean King Cup in China, where the 27-year-old won three of four doubles matches. Under the International Tennis Federation’s entry criteria for the Paris Olympics, Hourigan would need to be in the top-300 to be an option to partner up with Routliffe in Paris in July. Her points haul in Wuning was expected to move her up from 462 to around 387 in the world rankings. Meanwhile, Lulu Sun has lost 7-5 6-2 to Kayla Day in the semifinals of the US$75,000 WTT tournament in Charlottesville, USA. Sun was hoping for the second win of her career against a top 100 player and was able to match the world No 86 until she was broken when serving at 5-6 in the opening set. In the second set, Sun was not able to dominate with her first serve, while this was Day’s ninth win from her last 11 matches on clay. Despite the loss, it was a good week in Virginia for Sun, who also made it to the semifinals of the doubles. Sun’s singles ranking is expected to jump from 164 to around 153 when the new list comes out next week. Sun reached a career-high ranking of 151 in February of this year.

The Magic have held their nerve in a dramatic final quarter to record their first win of the season with a 52-49 result over the Stars in Auckland on Saturday. With both teams chasing their first win of the season, the Magic headed into the final quarter holding a five-goal lead but the following 15 minutes threw up a host of critical moments to leave the result in the balance. LATEST HEADLINES: Tall Ferns head to Mexico for WC qualifying Tall Ferns star Leger-Walker to UCLA Bruins Crusaders crush Rebels, Chiefs top Waratahs Taranaki Airs pull away late from Whai in NBL NZ White Sox squad named for Canada Cup With just over four minutes to go, the Stars had edged to within one, repeating the dose two minutes later but clutch intercepts from hard-working Magic defensive pair Georgie Edgecombe and Georgia Takarangi nailed the Stars fate. With the shooting load sitting with experienced captains, Maia Wilson for the Stars, and Ameliaranne Ekenasio for the visitors, the pair were influential figures throughout, both enjoying 93 percent success rates. The closeness of the match kept interest high but both teams would be disappointed with the high turnover count which included 47 losses across the match. Happy to gain their first points of the season, Magic continued their trend of getting off to great starts but, once again, couldn’t hold those efforts through the second half. The Stars employed four different shooters through the match but in the end, a high error count did not help their cause as they battled to a second straight bonus point loss in Holly Fowler’s 100th national league match. Following an impressive debut last week, goal shoot Summer Temu was rewarded with her first start at the elite level while centre Claire O’Brien and goal defence Takarangi got the nod in the Magic’s starting line-up. With the Stars bedding in a new attack line and taking time to settle, the Magic took full advantage through the first quarter, twice stretching out to five-goal leads. The growing shooting combination of Ekenasio and Saviour Tui continued to shine with the aerial skills of Tui, particularly, a feature. With neither side able to stamp a dominant marker, the Stars enjoyed their own slick passages of play to trim the lead, the Magic taking a 16-13 buffer into the first break. After a goal-for-goal run to start the second stanza, the visitors, through their better accuracy and the sharp shooting of Ekenasio and Tui broke the shackles to build on their lead. Long-limbed defender Erena Mikaere was also good value in disrupting the Star’s shooting options. Former Silver Fern Monica Falkner made her entrance at goal attack for the Stars in her first game back after having her first child four months ago. With Wilson slipping back to goal shoot, the Stars took time to establish the new connections as the Magic doubled their advantage when leading 30-24 at the main break. Both sides were guilty of coughing up soft turnovers in a patchy but tense third quarter. Tight defensive efforts and an increasing number of turnovers resulted in the scoring rates slowing down with the midcourters working overtime in a bid to find openings on attack. The home side made a bold bid early on after the resumption, closing the gap to just one with Wilson and Mila Reuelu-Buchanan playing strong hands. However, patience on attack paid off for the Magic with their ability to thread the ball safely through court. With Ekenasio showing all her experience on attack and calm intent under the hoop, the Magic defused the Stars momentum to hold them at bay and take a 40-35 lead into the last turn.