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Isaac McHardie and Will McKenzie have been named for their first Olympic Games and are determined to stamp their own mark on the boat made famous by Peter Burling and Blair Tuke. McHardie and McKenzie, along with seasoned Olympians Jo Aleh and Molly Meech, have today been named to the New Zealand Team for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in the 49er and 49erFX classes. They were selected at a function at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and join Tom Saunders (ILCA 7), Micah Wilkinson and Erica Dawson (Nacra 17), and Veerle ten Have and Josh Armit (windfoil), who were named to the New Zealand Team in March. McHardie and McKenzie will make their Olympic debut in the 49er class (men's skiff), following Burling and Tuke's gold and two silver medals in the class at the last three Olympics. With the veteran crew not campaigning this Olympic cycle, McHardie and McKenzie have established themselves as one of the leading 49er outfits in the world over the last 12 months. Last year, they won bronze at the Princess Sofia Regatta and the European championships, either side of top-six finishes at the Olympic test event, the French Olympic Week regatta, and the Sailing World Championships. They have been selected following a close-fought battle with training partners Logan Dunning Beck and Oscar Gunn, who were forced to abandon their campaign a few weeks ago after Dunning Beck suffered a serious injury only days before the final Olympic trial. "Being selected for the Olympics is a dream come true and we are honoured to represent New Zealand on sailing's biggest stage," McHardie said. "We would like to acknowledge the hard work of many people to get us here, including Logan and Oscar who pushed us all the way. We wish Logan a speedy recovery." The pair are hoping to continue where Burling and Tuke left off in Tokyo when they line up in Marseille, where the Olympic sailing will be contested from July 28 to August 8. "We grew up watching Pete and Blair achieve incredible results in the class and we appreciate their willingness to share some of their experience and advice with us and other teams through the years," McKenzie said. "They have left big shoes to fill but we are confident that, with the support of our amazing coaches and the rest of the New Zealand Olympic team, we can do them and the country proud in Marseille." Between Aleh and Meech, they have competed at seven Olympics, but at Paris 2024, they will sail together in the 49erFX (Women's Skiff) for the first time at an Olympic Games. Aleh is a double Olympic medallist - winning gold in the women's 470 class with Polly Powrie in London in 2012, and silver four years later in Rio. She teamed up with Meech in early 2022, after taking a five-year break from competitive sailing. She's as excited about attending her fourth Games as she was her first. "Having started my Olympic journey in the Laser Radial (ILCA 6) back in Beijing, I’m happy to be sailing a faster boat each time and I am absolutely loving taking on the 49erFX with Molly and the challenge it brings," Aleh said. "After watching from the coach boat in Tokyo [where she coached Wilkinson and Dawson], I am looking forward to being back on the racecourse and doing what I love." Aleh and Meech are currently competing at the 2024 Princess Sofia Regatta in Spain and were unable to attend the announcement in person. "We've been pushing hard to achieve the goals Jo and I have set for ourselves, and we will continue to do just that in the coming months," said Meech, who won 49erFX silver with Alex Maloney in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. "I feel really lucky to be heading to my third Olympics and I can't wait to wear that fern again and represent my country."

The Blues have run in eight tries against the Western Force to move to the top of the Super Rugby Pacific standings. Halfback Taufa Funaki scored a double as the Blues were never in danger, cruising to their largest victory against the struggling Force, 50-3 in Round 7 at Eden Park in Auckland on Friday night. LATEST HEADLINES: * Taurua returning as Silver Ferns coach * 49er, 49erFX sailors named to NZ Team * Tuatara deflate Airs for first NBL victory * England take second ODI, hope for NZ * Whitelock announces rugby retirement The win, their sixth in seven matches, took the Blues to 27 points, level with the idle undefeated Hurricanes, ahead of their bye week. The Force had little answer for a rampaging Blues pack, who took a 28-3 lead at the break. In hindsight, the Force may have regretted taking a penalty goal just before the half-hour while trailing 14-0 after tries from Ofa Tu'ungafasi and Ricky Riccitelli. Instead of searching for a try in a rare venture into Blues' territory, the visitors settled for three points from first-five Ben Donaldson. The Blues grabbed the ball from the restart, with second-rower Laghlan McWhannell crossing to make it 21-3 seconds later in a moment that seemed to drain the fight out of the Force. If that did not end their chances, silky interplay between brothers Akira and Rieko Ioane that ended with a try for Funaki sent the Blues into the break up 28-3 surely did. The Blues' scrum forced penalties at will and produced the match's first try for All Blacks prop Tu'ungafasi, with hooker Riccitelli crossing off the back of a rolling maul to make it 14-0. No 8 Hoskins Sotutu powered over in the 43rd minute to dismiss any notion of a comeback, before Funaki got his second and centre Corey Evans picked up a loose pass from the Force to go over untouched, putting the Blues up 45-3 after 55 minutes.. Soft defending was a theme throughout, with the Force missing 28 tackles compared to the Blues' six. The Blues and Western Force both a bye in Round 8, with the Blues playing the ACT Brumbies in their next match on April 20. Blues 50 (Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Ricky Riccitelli, Laghlan McWhannell, Taufa Funaki 2, Hoskins Sotutu, Corey Evans, AJ Lam tries; Harry Plummer 5 con) Western Force 3 (Ben Donaldson pen). HT: 28-3

Dame Noeline Taurua has been reappointed as Silver Ferns head coach after Netball New Zealand had advertised the position. Taurua and NNZ have agreed to a two year appointment after the role was opened up leading into the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney. LATEST HEADLINES: *49er-49erfx-athletes-named-for Paris *England take second ODI, hope for NZ *Blues Women close gap atop SR Aupiki *Whitelock announces rugby retirement *Three debutants in Black Sticks squad NNZ chief executive Jennie Wyllie and an independent panel were a part of a lengthy interview process which included input from board members, player representatives and independents. Wyllie said they were delighted to be able to confirm Dame Noeline Taurua as Silver Ferns coach for the next two years. “Dame Noeline has shown that she is the right person for the Silver Ferns job after what was a robust interview process,” she said. “We want to thank all of those who were involved and were pleased with the calibre and quality of candidates for the head coach role. It was an opportunity to assess what the future plans looked like for the Silver Ferns and the interview panel believe that Dame Noeline remains the right person to lead our national team. “Her coaching record stands out - she has a genuine passion for our players along with the ability and desire to both evolve as a coach, and add something significant to the Silver Ferns legacy.” Taurua said she was excited to be able to continue in a position which means a lot to her. “I was excited to go through the interview process. The process itself, challenged me to formulate a plan that was new, refreshing, and different from previous years. At the same time as conveying the message that I have utter belief in the athletes and leaders within our programme, and a knowingness that a solid foundation has been set. “I have competed for the job. I have reset the dial. I am rejuvenated and can’t wait to build upon the current foundation towards an era of Silver Ferns excellence,” she said. Taurua was appointed Silver Ferns coach in 2018 and led the national side to a Netball World Cup title in 2019 and a Constellation Cup series victory in 2021. The Silver Ferns are back on court when they host England during the Taini Jamison Trophy series in September.

The NZ Breakers have fired an incredible shot ahead of the opening of the upcoming Australian National Basketball League (ANBL) free agency period. The four-time champion club announced on Friday the re-signing of American Parker Jackson-Cartwright, keeping the livewire point guard at Atlas Place for two more seasons. LATEST HEADLINES: * Nuggets cruise to a home win over Jets * Blues put half-century on Western Force   * Taurua returning as Silver Ferns coach  * 49er, 49erFX sailors named to NZ Team   * Whitelock announces rugby retirement Jackson-Cartwright finished third in the 2023-24 MVP voting in what was his first season in the competition, and had since signed on to play with Turkish side Galatasaray on an 18-month contract. The diminutive guard was one of just four players to average more than 20 points per game last season, with 20.6 points, and also finished second in the competition for steals (1.9) and assists (5.8). Jackson-Cartwright said the only thing on his mind after re-signing for the Breakers was winning a championship. “I signed with the Breakers for one simple reason – to win a championship,” he said. “This club has won multiple championships and when you bring a guy back like myself and a team that wants to win, you think championship, you enjoy the process that it takes to be a champion and to be a winner each day no matter how hard it gets, because there is going to be adversity. "We had tons of adversity this season and we fought to the very end and had chances to be at the top. “That’s why you sign, you sign to be a part of something greater than yourself and as the season goes on you get better, and as you get better the team grows and camaraderie comes together, and it’s an overall invigorating experience.” Jackson-Cartwright is just the fourth import in Breakers' history to recommit to the club after their initial contract, and has followed in the footsteps of Mike Chappell, Gary Wilkinson and Cedric Jackson in committing past the first season. Head coach Mody Maor believed the guard’s early recommitment to the club could help shape the Breakers’ upcoming free agency period. “We basically entered this off-season with a completely barren cupboard and a very small amount of players on contract. We still have a lot of dominoes that need to fall, and they’re not all going to fall our way. There are going to be some challenges in this team building but so far I am very happy. “Two weeks ago, you asked me what are the chances Parker re-signs with the Breakers, I gave you a number that was less than one percent. From a basketball standpoint this is as close to a home run as it gets. "We have a focal point, we have our marquee player, and now we can tailor the team to fit him and maximise his strengths. The real bonus that comes from this is now we can go and build around him. “I hope signing Parker early helps us with our next recruitment stages and phases, I have to say all our previous imports have been our best ambassadors and they’ve been part of our recruitment process – Brantley was part of recruiting Parker – and Parker will be part of recruiting the next player.” Jackson-Cartwright has joined Dane Pineau and Sam Mennenga on the Breakers' roster for the 2024-25 season. The ANBL free agency period will officially begin on April 15.

The Auckland Tuatara and Taranaki Airs have fought out an early-season thriller in the National Basketball League (NBL) with the mercurial Corey Webster reminding everyone he has plenty of gas left in the tank as he led the home team to victory. Just four days after being humiliated by the Wellington Saints, the Aucklanders stepped on their home court for the first time and showed the ageless experience that is sure to trouble plenty of teams this season. LATEST HEADLINES: * England take second ODI, hope for NZ * Blues Women close gap atop SR Aupiki * Whitelock announces rugby retirement * Three debutants in Black Sticks squad * Bracewell to captain T20 Black Caps * Nicoll-Klokstad at fullback for Warriors Both teams went it minus at least one starter – the Tuatara without Tom Vodanovich, and the Airs minus Flynn Cameron. Other than that, we got to see the best of two teams tipped to run deep into the Finals later in the year. Just two points separated the pair at quarter time (23-21), and the second quarter was even (19-19), leaving the Tuatara with a narrow 42-40 lead at the main break. NZ Breakers development player Carlin Davison dominated the first half for the Airs with 15 points, while Corey Webster paced the home team. The third quarter became an arm-wrestle with scoring hard to come by with two of the competition’s best big men, Rob Loe and Sam Froling, enjoying a great battle inside and off the boards. The Airs started the last quarter with a 9-0 run, forcing Tuatara coach Aaron Young to call a timeout and settle his team. The break worked as the home team stepped back on court and reignited the fight with a 12-0 run, taking the lead with just over four minutes to play. With the result hanging the balance, enter Webster, who dropped a big triple that looked to break the spirit of the visitors. Webster’s composure in the closing stages was evident. Cam Gliddon found some strong form with four triples, helping the Tuatara to space the floor and open up the gaps for Loe and Webster to work into. In the end, in a game that could have gone either way, it was the Tuatara’s ability to come up with big baskets and crucial stops that proved the difference. Steady down the stretch, the Tuatara held on for an 84-77 win. The Tuatara (1-1) head to Tauranga on Saturday (tip-off 7.30pm) to face the league newcomers Mid-North Whai (1-0), while the Airs (1-1) get a week off before hosting the Whai in New Plymouth next Saturday (tip-off 5pm). Auckland Tuatara 84 (Corey Webster 25, Rob Loe 22, Cam Gliddon 21, Reuben Te Rangi 13) Taranaki Airs 77 (Sam Froling 21, Carlin Davison 19, Derone Raukawa 13, Elijah Minnie 12). 1Q: 23-21, HT: 42-40, 3Q: 54-55

England have wrapped up the ODI series against the White Ferns with a match to spare after a 56-run win in game two. Having already won the T20 series, England were too strong, with the White Ferns missing captain Sophie Devine and had bowler Rosemary Mair as a late withdrawal. LATEST HEADLINES: * Blues Women close gap atop SR Aupiki * Whitelock announces rugby retirement * Three debutants in Black Caps squad * Bracewell to captain T20 Black Caps * Nicoll-Klokstad at fullback for Warriors However, the home side did manage to dismiss England for the first time of the tour as the visitors chose to bat first at Seddon Park and set the White Ferns a total of 253 to chase, which was the largest total New Zealand has had to chase in a couple of seasons. England opener Tammy Beaumont brought up her 19th ODI half-century - and her eighth against New Zealand - before being dismissed 81 in the 34th over. Beaumont held her ground while losing four batting partners, including Maia Bouchier on 20 and Heather Knight for, before playing a lofted shot off Hannah Rowe which was caught with ease by Georgia Plimmer. Wicketkeeper Amy Jones was the next highest scorer, hitting seven boundaries before she fell just short of a half-century when Lea Tahuhu had her caught by Brooke Halliday for 48 in the 48th over. Pace and spin got wickets for New Zealand as all six bowlers used took a scalp. Spinner Fran Jonas took 2-47 from her 10 overs and medium pacer Jess Kerr had 2-50 from her full complement of overs, while Tahuhu took 2-50 from eight overs. Stand-in captain Amelia Kerr's spin got 1-35, making her the most miserly of the New Zealanders. New Zealand's chase started strongly, with Suzie Bates scoring 10 runs off the first over, but she departed for 28 as the second wicket to fall. While the White Ferns' top-order struggled and the lower-order could not guide the side to victory, a 100-run fifth-wicket partnership between Halliday and Izzy Gaze gave the hosts hope. Gaze was run out for 47 in the 40th over. It was her highest ODI score, bettering her previous top score of 26. Halliday followed three overs later for 57 after she was stumped. The Auckland representative has now scored three of her four half-centuries against England. Natalie Siver-Brunt had figures of 3-21 from her seven overs. The final match is on Sunday in Hamilton.

The Super Rugby Aupiki final will be contested between Chiefs Manawa and the Blues in two weeks. Whether the decider is hosted in Auckland or Hamilton is still to be determined after the Blues beat the Manawa for the first time 40-26 on Saturday to close the gap to a solitary point in the standings. Meanwhile, the Matatū earned their first victory of the season on Friday night, defeating Hurricanes Poua 37-17 in Christchurch. Blues captain Maia Roos emphasised post-game that the Blues were determined to prove they had the best forward pack in the competition. The Blues achieved that lofty ambition emphatically. The Chiefs lineout was a muddle as the Blues boldly and vigorously contested almost everything. After a stoic start, the Manawa scrum too was dispatched into retreat. The collective effort of the Blues tight-five - Chryss Viliko, Grace Gago, Aldora Itunu, Eloise Blackwell, and Maama Vaipulu - might have bookmakers readjusting their odds for the final in a fortnight. The Blues set the tone early with forceful carries and direct attack. The Manawa defence eventually wilted after a dozen minutes when Itunu became a smiling steamroller. The Manawa responded with a concerted passage of phases. A scrum followed and a glorious skip pass by Kiriana Nolan located an unmarked Ruby Tui. The Blues caught lightning in a bottle from the 27th minute to the 32nd minute, scoring three tries as the score mushroomed to 28-7. Gago rode the crest of a wave from a lineout drive. At the restart, Liana Mikaele Tu’u and Vaipulu stampeded from the Blues 22 to the Manawa red zone. An overlap emerged and the ball was headed to the right wing of Katelyn Vahaakolo until the palms of Renee Holmes spoiled a certain try. Upon review, a penalty try was awarded with no defender outside Holmes, who was dismissed to the sin-bin for 10 minutes. Soon after, Grace Steinmetz threw a pass that was intercepted by Sylvia Brunt, with the Blues centre sprinting 40 metres into the embrace of her delirious teammates stretching behind the in-goal area. The Manawa regained some equilibrium before the break. Blues penalties gifted the Manawa a lineout five metres out. The result? An obligatory try for the prolific Luka Connor. In the 48th minute, Tui split the Blues open. Brunt rushed across and flattened the charismatic Black Fern. Tui’s game was over while Brunt had a 10-minute break for shoulder-on-head contact. The Manawa were unable to exploit the numerical advantage. In the 55th minute, Vahaakolo cut down the short side to buy the Blues some breathing room. A thumping kick by Patricia Maliepo saw the ball sit idly five metres short of the Manawa line. A hesitant Mererangi Paul went roaming but could not escape the grasp of a tigerish Jaymie Kolose. Paul threw an unsighted, reverse pass to Ross and the Blues led 33-14. The Manawa bench again added impact with Krystal Murray to the fore, while Chelsea Alley celebrated her 100th first-class game with a try. The Matātu defeated the Poua for the first time in Super Rugby Aupiki and have jumped ahead of Poua in the standings with a round to play. Matātu captain Alana Bremner celebrated her 100th first-class match. With five Farah Palmer Cup Premierships, 19 defences of the JJ Stewart Trophy, an Aupiki crown, and a Women's Rugby World Cup on her resume a win was the only acceptable way to mark Bremner’s milestone. The Poua has been fiercely competitive in the first half of matches this season and that trend reversed for the visitors, turning with a 22-0 deficit at the break. Poua won the last 40 minutes 17-15. Rosie Kelly opened the scoring after a dozen minutes. Wing Cheyelle Robins-Reti made a slashing break sneaking behind two decoy runners. Martha Mataele continued the momentum near the 22 before a deft inside pass put the fullback over. Five minutes later, Mataele injected herself again, this time bursting vibrantly from a scrum before linking with centre Amy du Plessis, who created space for second-five Grace Brooker. Georgia Ponsonby scored from a perfectly executed lineout drive after 28 minutes. The Poua enjoyed nearly two-thirds of possession and three-quarters of territory in the first half but sloppy ball retention was a curse. In the 39th minute, the Matatū broke out from their own 22, and Poua centre Shakira Baker was sent off after her shoulder appeared to strike rival halfback Maia Joseph’s throat. It was a desperate attempt at a save by Baker that went horribly wrong. She was shown her red card while receiving medical treatment. Things went from bad to worse for Poua when Ponsonby scored a second try from the subsequent penalty and lineout drive. The Poua were inspired after the break. No 8 Layla Sae burst from the back of a scrum, steamrolled Kendra Reynolds, and surged 45 metres to score. The Poua thwarted five minutes of persistent attack before Sae was box office again. She charged another 45 metres only to be stopped by Reynolds this time. A gut-busting 19 phases followed before a Laura Bayfield tackle and Brooker turnover forced a penalty. Brooker received the ball on the crash from the following lineout and another penetrating run and quick recycle allowed Mataele to build up some speed. The last two Hurricanes tacklers might as well have been tenpins. Two bullying runs in an eight-phase attack from prop Moomooga Palu allowed Ponsonby to roam wide and throw a cracking cut-out pass to Lucky Jenkins, who later scored in the 72nd minute when she was the first onto a Poua spill from a grubber. The Matatū made 166 tackles compared with Poua's 79. Each side made 14 line breaks but the Hurricanes conceded 22 turnovers. Sam Taylor, Elinor Plum-King, Fai Laikong and Rangimarie Sturmey from the bench held their heads up high for the Poua. Blues 40 (Aldora Itunu, Grace Gago, penalty try, Sylvia Brunt, Maia Ross, Cheyenne Tuli-Fale tries; Krysten Cottrell 4 con) Chiefs Manawa 26 (Ruby Tui, Luka Connor, Krystal Murray, Chelsea Semple tries; Renee Holmes con). HT: 28-14 Matatū 37 (Rosie Kelly, Grace Brooker, Georgia Ponsonby 2, Lucy Jenkins 2, Martha Mataele tries; Liz McGoverne con) Hurricanes Poua 17 (Layla Sae, Monica Tagoai, Rangimarie Sturmey tries; Isabella Waterman con). HT: 22-0

Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa (TBA) has announced a raft of changes for its third season in 2024. The women's national league will move its schedule to later in the year, consider international expansion and double player wages. When TBA started in 2022, players were recognised through pay parity with the National Basketball League (NBL). For the 2024 season, payments will significantly increase for players in the women’s league. TBA is also expanding to welcome teams from beyond New Zealand, with conversations underway with a number of international clubs. “This is a landmark event for basketball and for Aotearoa's women’s sporting landscape in general," said league general manager Maree Taylor. "This level of investment will drastically change the women’s professional game in New Zealand with immediacy and the flow-on effects will be felt for years to come.” TBA will move its playing season from mid-year to October to December, finishing just before Christmas, a time in the New Zealand sporting calendar that will give women’s basketball the best possible exposure to fans and the wider media. Sky Sport will continue to broadcast every game live in New Zealand, and games will also be shared around the world by a variety of partners. Last season, the Tauihi league attracted nine players with links to the WNBA, along with Australia Opals captain Tess Madgen, and a raft of Tall Ferns. However, by switching to later in the year, the league will now conflict with the Australian Women's National Basketball League (WNBL) and NCAA in the US. Former Tall Fern Megan Compain, New Zealand’s only WNBA player to date, claimed the changes signified a transformation shift for girls’ and women's basketball in New Zealand. “A shift in season will make Tauihi even more attractive to WNBA players, and the prospect of international teams joining the league promises to make it one of the best in the world. “The players receiving a significant pay boost will financially put the teams ahead of many international leagues and really puts Tauihi on the map in a game that is played right around the world.” TBA will release further details on the international teams in the The free agency period, when players can approach the league to sign a deal to play in 2024, will open in the coming weeks.

The Manawatu Jets have withstood a second-half Southland Sharks comeback to clinch a tough National Basketball League (NBL) road win. The Sharks trailed by 16 points at half-time before mounting a stunning third-quarter comeback to briefly snatch the lead, eventually falling 83-70 at Invercargill's ILT Stadium Southland on Wednesday night. LATEST HEADLINES: * Blues Women close gap atop SR Aupiki * Whitelock announces rugby retirement * Three debutants in Black Caps squad * Bracewell to captain T20 Black Caps * Nicoll-Klokstad at fullback for Warriors The commanding presence of Tyrell Harrison (17 points, 13 rebounds and five blocks), the offensive output of Mustapha Heron (19 points) and the calming influence of Campbell Scott (13 points and eight assists), who played every minute of the game, ensured the Jets controlled the closing period to ease to victory. Former Canterbury Rams forward Troy Baxter Jr added 12 points for the Jets, with Liam Judd making an impactful 10 points. The Sharks were led by a 20-point haul from Marcale Lotts, with Scott Telfer (16 points), LaGerald Vick (14 points) and Matariki Kapea (10 points) also in double-figures. Callum McRae, in his intriguing matchup with fellow seven-footer Harrison, was close to a double-double as he added eight points and nine rebounds to go with five assists. Early on, Heron’s coast-to-coast dunk established an 11-5 lead for the Jets and also prompted a timeout from Sharks coach Guy Molloy, who was concerned with the ease in which the visitors were racking up points. Those concerns increased as the Jets, aided by a brace of threes from Judd, carved out a 26-16 first-quarter lead. A transition dunk from Judd demonstrated the offensive weaponry possessed by the former Rangitoto College wing and, with Heron into double-figures, the Jets lead approached 20 points. Vick made back-to-back baskets for the hosts but the Sharks' 'Orange Army' were decidedly quiet with their team trailing 47-31 at the half. The Sharks started the second half in more promising fashion, with triples from Kapea and Telfer, and when Vick scored in transition, the Jets lead had been cut to single digits and it was Natu Taufale that required a timeout. It became a single possession game after a Kapea 'and-1' play. Then remarkably, to the delight of the home fans, a three from Telfer gave the Sharks a 59-58 lead. Jets guard Scott restored the lead (61-59) for the visitors but the quarter had favoured the Sharks 28-14. Triples from Lachie Crate and Scott, plus inside work from Harrison, re-established a 10-point cushion for the Jets early in the fourth quarter. They proceeded to control the final minutes to claim a first victory of the season ahead of a match-up with the Otago Nuggets in Dunedin on Friday night (tip-off 7.30pm). In addition to the loss the Sharks will be sweating on the fitness of Alonzo Burton ahead of their trip to Hawke's Bay on Sunday (tip-off 7.30pm). The Sharks captain played just three minutes before retiring to the bench with a leg injury. Manawatu Jets 83 (Mustapha Heron 19, Tyrell Harrison 17, Campbell Scott 13, Troy Baxter Jr 12, Liam Judd 10) Southland Sharks 70 (Marcale Lotts 20, Scott Telfer 16, LeGerald Vick 14, Matariki Kapea 10). 1Q: 26-16, HT: 47-31, 3Q: 61-59

The Black Sticks Men will head to Malaysia at the end of this month to compete for the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup for the first time since 2019 and will be taking three uncapped players as the side continues to build depth ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics. New Zealand will feature alongside hosts Malaysia, Pakistan, South Korea, Canada and Japan at the tournament in Ipoh from May 4-11. With a number of players unavailable due to European club commitments, head coach Greg Nicol said it was a chance to give the wider squad a chance to improve their match sharpness and put their best foot forward for selection for the Olympics. “The recent camp gave us the opportunity to look at a number of players and we're pleased with where the depth of the squad is at, which is reflected in the selections. “We know that it will take a collective effort to perform in Paris and this series will be invaluable in making sure that we have a good number of players that will be prepared for the pinnacle tournament of our sport.” The team departs for Malaysia on April 26, returning in mid-May for a weeks rest before heading to Poland for the FIH Nations Cup. The side will then return to New Zealand to further build toward the Black Sticks’ opening match in Paris against India on July 28. BLACK STICKS SQUAD George Enersen, Dom Dixon, Benji Culhane, Charlie Morrison, Blair Tarrant, David Brydon, Dane Lett, Scott Cosslett*, Malachi Buschl, Joe Morrison, Hayden Phillips, Isaac Houlbrooke, Patrick Ward, George Baker, Scott Boyde, Luke Holmes*, Jake Smith, Jonty Elmes* * Uncapped

Sam Whitelock has announced he will retire from all professional rugby at the end of the current club season in France where he is playing for Pau. The 35-year-old has called time on an illustrious professional career that started with Canterbury in 2008 and saw him become the most-capped All Black in history, winning two Rugby World Cups and multiple other titles along the way. While he feels more than capable of his ability to continue playing at the top level, Whitelock has decided that after 17 years of dedication to his profession, he would like to focus on other areas in his life. “I’ve been having a few conversations with my wife Hannah and the kids around what the future looks like for us. And it’s time to finish the playing chapter of rugby,” Whitelock said. “I think if you talk to anyone who has played for a long time, that desire [to compete] never leaves, it’s just that stage of life when you move on. “It’s not a decision that we have come to lightly, but it’s the right thing for myself and it’s the right thing for my wife and our three kids - Fred, Iris and Penelope. “And I think that is what excites me the most – spending more time with my kids and my wife, and actually watching them play sport. Being able to go to the cross-country at school and those things. “It’s hard to thank everyone, but obviously Hannah has been a massive part along with my parents, brothers, cousins, uncles, aunties and grandparents. And also the fans in general, they’ve been so receptive of myself and also the way I play. “I’m very appreciative of the support I’ve had and there is no way I could have achieved the things I’ve had without them.” Whitelock was the youngest All Black to reach 100 tests and the quickest in the world to achieve the milestone. By the end of 2023, he had played 153 test matches and sits second on the all-time list of most-capped internationals. “The thing I’m proud of is that I never really counted test matches – I always wanted to make the test matches count,” said Whitelock. “So if it was my last one, I wanted to be able to walk away and say ‘I gave it everything, I didn’t hold anything back.’ I was fully committed.” Whitelock’s gratitude also extends to all of the coaches, support staff and administrators that made his time in professional rugby an enjoyable one. "Sam has been one of the most influential players of his generation,” said New Zealand Rugby Chief Executive Mark Robinson. “His long list of accolades tell a pretty special story, but he has also made a very big impact off the field during his 14 years as an All Black. "He cares greatly about the legacy of the All Blacks and everyone involved in it. He's been a sounding board for numerous players, coaches, administrators and others involved in this great game of ours. "We wish him well in his retirement and the next phase of his life. And while he's hanging up his boots, we know he'll stay involved in rugby one way or another in the future." All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson added: "Sam is an immortal of our incredible game. “First and foremost, he is a quality person. A great husband and father who has a special ability to build deep connections with people from all walks of life. “In terms of his rugby, Sam’s impact has been immense both mentally and physically over four World Cup cycles. He is a winner who rose to any occasion as his competitive spirit drove him to the highest level of performance. “Sam will stand with the greats of our game.”

New Zealand squash pro Paul Coll has won the PSA World Tour's London Classi, dispatching an injured Mosta Asal in the final. In a one-sided first set, Coll stepped up the court, playing an aggressive brand of squash as Asal struggled to find his rhythm, giving the Kiwi the first game 11-8. The Egyptian bounced back in game two, forcing Coll onto the defensive as he began to find his marks on the attack. Despite trailing for most of the game, Coll was able to adjust, moving to 9-8 as he looked to double his lead. Each player then had, and lost, a game ball before Asal converted 13-11. Coll reset well in the third game, taking the first four points in a fast start. Asal began to find his way back into the game, but couldn’t stop Coll from putting together scoring runs, with the World No 2 reclaiming the advantage as he took the third game 11-7. In a disappointing ending, Coll quickly moved into the lead, with Asal clearly struggling with injury. The Egyptian initially tried to continue, but was eventually forced to retire hurt with the score at 8-1 to Coll, giving the top seed and defending the title. “I’m stoked. Very happy to back it up, all the consistency I’ve been looking for this season," said Coll. “Today was all about keeping my energy up and the attacks and aggression.” “I really enjoy playing in London. I get a really good home feeling playing here. I’ve got my coach, family and friends here. The atmosphere was wicked all week. “I hope Mostafa’s Ok. We’ve got some big events coming up at the end of the season. It was a real battle today and he really took it to me and I had to be on my mettle. It was hard, fast squash. Injuries like that happen and I hope it’s not bad. I’m sure we’ll have another battle in a couple of weeks. “Congrats to [tournament promoter] Tim Garner for finding a new location and giving it the same vibe as the Canary Wharf Classic. That was one of my favourite events on tour and it was a shame to see it go, but to have this as a replacement is amazing." It is the second consecutive title in a row for Coll, who last month won the Optasia Championships in London.