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Liam Lawson is eighth on the grid for the Barcelona-Cataluyna Grand Prix PHOTO: VISA CASH APP RACING BULLS New Zealand driver Liam Lawson has equalled his season-best qualifying performance to start from eighth at Formula 1's Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix. The 24-year-old's time of 1m 16.542 lap in Q3 was good enough for eighth despite being slower than his flying lap that extended his session during the second qualifying. LATEST HEADLINES: Ryan Fox stays in contention Hurricanes thrash Blues in semis Warriors beaten late by Sharks Stars beat Pulse netball comp Black Sticks men late winner "It's been a trickier day today than yesterday overall. We had a good start to the weekend, and then just a difficult end to yesterday," the Kiwi said. "Honestly, I just put one really good lap together in Q2. I'm very, very happy and we're in a good place for tomorrow." The result continues a strong run of form for the Racing Bulls driver, who currently sits 10th in the World Driver's Championship standings and has scored points in all but two races this season. Mercedes driver George Russell claimed pole position ahead of Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton, while Formula 1 leader Kimi Antonelli will start from third.

Ryan Fox is top-10 on a congested leaderboard after three rounds at the Canadian Open PHOTO: RBC CANADIAN OPEN Ryan Fox is tied seventh after three rounds of his title defence at the Canadian Golf Open in Toronto. He carded a third round two-under 68 to be 10-under for the tournament three shots back from the leader Jackson Suber of the United States. LATEST HEADLINES: Hurricanes thrash Blues in semis Warriors beaten late by Sharks Stars beat Pulse netball comp Black Sticks men late winner Williamson no to internationals Fox hit a birdie on the first and 18th holes to bookmark his round. However he bogeyed on the third and 11th but made birdie on the fourth and sixth. England's Tommy Fleetwood looks to be the player to beat sitting tied third at 11-under with rounds of 67, 65 and 67.

Rubenm Love looks to get his pass away in the Hurricanes big semifinal win over Blues in Super Rugby PHOTO: LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY The Hurricanes are into the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final against the Chiefs after a 57-21 win over the Blues. It was a tight contest in the first half, with the visitors leading for much of the 40 minutes as they sought to cause an upset at Hnry Stadium. LATEST HEADLINES: Warriors beaten late by Sharks Stars beat Pulse netball comp Black Sticks men late winner Ryan Fox remains in contention Williamson no to internationals But the firepower of the Hurricanes was too much to contain as a second half burst blew out the scoreline and powered the top-ranked team to the decider. The hosts started on fire when Cam Rogiard shook off a mid-air tackle by Beauden Barrett and sprinted clear from the quick penalty tap in the first minute. Barrett’s brother, Jordie, got the hosts on the board shortly afterwards from close for the opener. The Blues edged their way in front thanks to a pair of All Blacks as Caleb Clarke pieced the line, with skipper Patrick Tuipulotu diving over the next play. The Hurricanes quickly respond through their impressive flanker Du’Plessis Kirifi at maul time as the Blues found themselves down AJ Lam and Clarke due to failed HIAs. But replacement Payton Spencer stepped up to keep them in the hunt, kicking clear for Cole Forbes and backing the winger up to strike. Their lead lasted until the 30th minute when Xavier Numia powered over from close range. With a 19-14 advantage at the break, the Hurricanes kicked into gear and secured the win. In doing so, they became the first team to score 100 tries in a Super Rugby season as they piled them on for fun. It started with some picture-perfect counter-rucking on the Blues' line to set up Roigard for a five-pointer. Josh Moorby sprinted away shortly afterwards to put them straight on the attack, eventually getting over the line himself. When Asafo Aumua charged over three and touched down, it was three tries in 10 minutes and a spot in the Grand Final all but wrapped up. The celebrations were well and truly underway as Ere Enari touched down, with Kini Naholo bringing up the half century with nine minutes to go. Moorby put the cherry on top of the celebrations after some slick hands put the winger in for his second. It’s the first time the Hurricanes have made the Final since their 2016 success, their lone title in Super Rugby. Hurricanes 57 (Moorby 2, J. Barrett, Numia, Kirifi, Aumua, Enari, Naholo, Roigard tries; Love 3, J. Barrett 3 cons) Blues 21 (Tuipulotu, Spencer, Oudenryn tries; B. Barrett 3 cons)

Plenty of strong defence as the Sharks beat the Warriors at Mt Smart in NRL Round 15 PHOTO: NRL Cronulla Sharks Braydon Trindall has played a staring role for his side kicking a 40 metre field goal late in the game to steal a 10-8 win over the NZ Warriors at Go Media Stadium. It was the Warriors first time at "home" since round five on April 18 against the Titans and next week will see them in Christchurch. LATEST HEADLINES: Stars beat Pulse netball comp Black Sticks men late winner Ryan Fox remains in contention Williamson no to internationals Chiefs ease to Super Rugby final As fulltime approached, the home side had chance to draw even again, but centre Adam Pompey was just wide with a penalty attempt, as the Warriors suffered their fifth loss of the NRL season. For the Sharks it was their fourth consecutive win and puts them up to fifth on the ladder while the Warriors remain in second. Both sides were missing several senior players through injury and State of Origin commitments, the Warriors found themselves down 8-0 after 26 minutes, Cronulla centre Jesse Ramian scoring his team's only try. However the Warriors scored through halfback Te Maire Martin as cut back through four tacklers. The try was converted by Pompey to be 8-6 down at the break.. Midway through the second half, Pompey levelled the game with a penalty and both teams had their chance to grab victory in the dying moments. Trindall took his chance, when the Sharks entered the Warriors half and he connected sweetly from about 45 metres out. An issue for the Warriors was being penalised twice on the shot clock, the first leading to a Trindall penalty and the second at a scrum. Both of which coach Andrew Webster was frustrated about. as the players couldn't see a time clock and re Gerard Sutton gave the players in question no time.

Martina Salmon looks to get a pass away against the Pulse in the Stars win PHOTO: NORTHERN STARS The Stars have finished their ANZ Premiership season on a high with a 59-49 win over the Pulse in Auckland on Saturday. In a largely disappointing season for both, the Stars, highly-touted to contest the Series Finals (top three) at the beginning of the season, wrapped up fourth spot after pulling out decisive first and third quarters in their final outing of 2026. LATEST HEADLINES: Black Sticks men late winner Ryan Fox remains in contention Williamson no to internationals Chiefs ease to Super Rugby final Guillermo May departs Akl FC With the Stars leading throughout, it took until the third quarter to reach a position of comfort after a re-jigged Pulse competed gamely through the second and fourth quarters. The strong delivery provided by the midcourt pairing of Samon Nathan and Claire O’Brien, the relentless defensive efforts of Kate Burley and Aimee Landrigan coupled with the accuracy of shooters Amelia Walmsley, 41 from 41 for the match and Martina Salmon, gave the Stars the edge. Hampered by injuries, the Pulse gave a hint to the future with a number of their younger national netball league players getting opportunities throughout the match following a disjointed season. Both sides were without their regular centres for this match, with the Stars Mila Reuelu-Buchanan and the Pulse’s Emma Thompson nursing injuries. The experienced Nathan got the start in the centre bib for the home side with Ainsleyana Puleiata moving up court to fill that spot for the Pulse. The Stars made their customary fast start, quick and accurate feeds from midcourters Nathan and O’Brien getting a steady stream of quality ball into the hands of well-positioned shooter Walmsley. Hamstrung by their unfamiliar midcourt, the Pulse struggled with their second phase play and the Stars defensive pressure to find any flow. After a messy passage from both sides, the Stars picked up their intent with a strong finish, the Pulse using three different goal shoots in a bid to find some fluency. It proved fruitless as the Stars headed to the first break with a handy 18-11 lead. Scoring the first two goals on the resumption helped the Pulse rebound with a competitive showing in the second stanza. The second quarter has proved a problem for the Stars throughout the season and it was in evidence again. With goal shoot Phoenix Schwalger making a great fist of her ANZ Premiership debut and better defensive pressure, the Pulse were able to claw their way back into the contest. The Stars retained their overall control but with their opponents getting their hands on more possession, the home side were kept honest. Showing more accurate in the shooting stakes, where the growing shooter-to-shooter connection between Walmsley and Salmon was in evidence, helped the home side hit the main break with a reduced 30-25 lead. On the back of a forceful 7-2 start to the third quarter, the Stars regained their control of the match. The combined defensive work of in-circle pairing Burley and Landrigan, who were a busy presence, putting the Pulse shooters under big pressure. Through court, the home side re-found their attacking groove with improved accuracy, where Nathan and O’Brien were the instigators of a dominant third stanza. Walmsley proved an unstoppable force under the hoop through her positioning, sure hands and accuracy, completing a perfect 31 from 31 for the first three-quarters. Continuing to rotate their line-up, plenty of patience was required from a Pulse side under constant surveillance while sliding to a 46-35 deficit at the last turn.

Celebration for the NZ Black Sticks men over Scotland at the Nations Cup in South Africa PHOTO: FIH NATIONS CUP The Black Sticks men have started 2026 FIH Nations Cup campaign with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Scotland in Cape Town, South Africa. The opening match marked a special occasion for Ryan Parr, who made his international debut for New Zealand as the Black Sticks began their pursuit of a third consecutive Nations Cup title. LATEST HEADLINES: Ryan Fox remains in contention Williamson no to internationals Chiefs ease to Super Rugby final Guillermo May departs Akl FC Fox good start Canadian Open From the opening whistle, the Black Sticks controlled much of the contest. The first quarter was dominated by New Zealand possession, territory, and attacking opportunities. The best chance came through Jonty Elmes, whose goal-bound effort was brilliantly saved by the Scottish goalkeeper. Nic Woods reacted quickly to the rebound, only to be denied by another outstanding save in what was a remarkable double-save sequence that kept the scores level. While New Zealand continued to threaten in attack, Scotland remained dangerous on the counter and earned a penalty corner. Goalkeeper Dom Dixon produced an outstanding save to preserve the deadlock and ensure the match remained scoreless at the first break. The second quarter followed a similar pattern, with the Black Sticks applying relentless pressure and creating quality opportunities inside the circle. Despite controlling possession and defending strongly up the field, the breakthrough remained elusive. New Zealand earned their first penalty corner with just three seconds remaining before halftime, but Scotland's defence held firm, sending the teams into the break locked at 0–0. By the end of the third quarter, New Zealand had amassed an impressive 44 circle entries compared to Scotland's 10, highlighting their control of the contest. Nic Woods, Sam Lane, and Dylan Thomas all came close, but Scotland continued to frustrate the New Zealand attack. Finally, with five minutes remaining in the match, the breakthrough arrived. A penalty corner breakdown saw Scott Boyde deliver a dangerous ball towards goal, where Dylan Thomas was perfectly positioned to apply the finishing touch and deflect the ball past the goalkeeper. The goal securing three points for the Black Sticks. To cap off a memorable day, debutant Ryan Parr was named Player of the Match after an impressive first international appearance in the black jersey. New Zealand will now face Korea in their second pool match of the tournament. The game gets underway at 3:00am NZT on Monday 15 June New Zealand Goal Scorers: 54" Dylan Thomas - Penalty Corner Goal

Ryan Fox is top-10 after two rounds at the PGA's Canadian Open PHOTO: CANADIAN OPEN Ryan Fox's title defence remains alive at the PGA Tour's Canadian Open at Toronto. He's carded a four-under par 66 second round to sit in a share of seventh on the leaderboard at eight-under for the tournament. LATEST HEADLINES: Williamson no to internationals Chiefs ease to Super Rugby final Guillermo May departs Akl FC Fox good start Canadian Open Victoria Esson stays at Phoenix Starting on the 10th hole he hit birdies on the his first 14th, 16th, 17th and 18th and one more on the fifth. However their were bogeys at the 11th and second holes. Fox is two shots back from leader Ben James of the United States alongside Brooks Koepka and Tommy Fleetwood. There are five players at nine-under.

Kane Williamson reflects on the end of his international career PHOTO: NZC New Zealand cricket legend Kane Williamson has retired from all international cricket with immediate effect. The 35-year-old said he felt now was the right time. LATEST HEADLINES: Chiefs ease to Super Rugby final Guillermo May departs Akl FC Fox good start Canadian Open Victoria Esson stays at Phoenix New trio on NZcricket contracts “I've given everything to this team, and it's given me a lot more in return. When I look at the dressing room now, and I see the talent and the journey that I think this team is looking to go on, it just feels like the right time for me to step away, and I feel really good about it. He featured in the first Test against England at Lord's, scoring a duck and 18, but will play no further part in the three-match series, which will resume at The Oval on 17 June. He retires as New Zealand's leading all-format run-scorer, with 19,346 runs, including 48 centuries and six double hundreds, in 378 appearances between 2010 and 2026. As the Black Caps' most prolific Test batter, he scored 9,515 runs at an average of 54.06, including 33 centuries, in 110 matches.

Chiefs' Isaac Hutchison makes a run during the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific semifinal between the Chiefs and Crusaders at FMG Stadium in Hamilton PHOTO: CRAIG BUTLAND/LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY The Chiefs have delivered a remarkable 49-12 pumelling of the Crusaders to seal their place in the Super Rugby Pacific final. The home side scored 42 points in the first half hour in Hamilton over last seasons champions. LATEST HEADLINES: Guillermo May departs Akl FC Fox good start Canadian Open Victoria Esson stays at Phoenix New trio on NZcricket contracts Super Rugby Aupiki round one It’s the most points the Chiefs have ever scored against the Crusaders in the first half of a game, and their biggest win over them. The onslaught left the Crusaders shattered, who had gone into the game unbeaten in their last seven semi-finals and their last five finals matches against the Chiefs. With the memories of last year’s Grand Final riding in their ears like cowbells, the hosts were ruthless. Quinn Tupaea set the tempo with a half break and steal to get them on the attack, with his centre partner Lalakai Foketi throwing a beauty to Kyren Taumoefolau for the opener. The winger shortly had a double after soccering through Damian McKenzie's kick for his 10th of the season. Former Waratah Foketi continued to piece apart the Crusaders defence, setting up Isaac Hutchinson to dive over the line. It’d be Hutchinson’s last involvement though, succumbing to injury. But this didn’t stop the Chiefs from charging and when Samisoni Taukei’aho crossed, they had a 28-0 lead. Chay Fihaki sought to slow the bleeding with the Crusaders' first try of the game. But it was no use as the hosts kept rolling. Tries to replacement Leroy Carter and Tupou Vaa’i furthered their advantage for a stunning 42-5 half-time lead. The Crusaders pain furthered after losing Leicester Fainga’anuku (ankle) before the break, with the slimmest of comeback hopes dashed when Christian Lio-Willie’s try was denied for a knock on to start the second half. The visitors eventually got themselves over the line as captain David Havili made one final statement with a powerful five-pointer. In the end, the deficit was never in doubt as the Chiefs sealed the win and tied their highest points scored against the Crusaders with a late try to Xavier Roe. It's the first time the Chiefs have defeated the Crusaders in a finals game since 2013. They book their spot in the decider against the winner of the Hurricanes or the Blues, who will face off on Saturday in Wellington. The only sour note for the Chiefs will be sight of Quinn Tupaea limping around with an ankle injury, suffered during the second half. Chiefs 49 (Taumoefolau 2, Hutchinson, Vaa'i, Taukei'aho, Carter, Roe; McKenzie 7 CON) Crusaders 12 (Fihaki, Havili tries; Kemara1 con)

After two seasons Guillermo May is leaving Auckland FC PHOTO: A-LEAGUE Uruguayan centre-forward Guillermo May a crowd favourite has departed Auckland FC after two seasons at the club. The striker scored 16 goals in his 58 appearances, including six assists. His goals and genial personality made him a firm favourite with fans and teammates. Although injured for the Grand Final, May scored in the dramatic Elimination Final against Melbourne City before stepping up to convert his penalty. LATEST HEADLINES: Fox good start Canadian Open Victoria Esson stays at Phoenix New trio on NZcricket contracts Super Rugby Aupiki round one Hobbs Diamond League podium The 28-year-old will probably be best remembered for his incredible long-range strike last season, also at home against Melbourne City. The goal helped secure his cult status amongst fans and inspired a popular chant sung by the Port to the tune of Abba’s Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! “I have loved my time in Auckland. The fans, the city, the people, my teammates, everyone has been so kind and welcoming. I will be sad to go, but goodbyes are part of football,” said May. “I leave with good memories and two trophies, including the Grand Final. After two years here, I would say it is the best experience of my life.” May was unveiled by the club in September 2024 as part of a trio that included Luis Verstraete and Felipe Gallegos. Aged 26 at the time, he arrived with a huge amount of experience for the revered Argentinian side, Newell’s Old Boys. May’s next club is still unknown. For now, he returns to Uruguay to finish his recovery and spend time with his family. “He has been a great player for us, a great teammate for the boys, and certainly endeared himself to the fans,” said head coach Steve Corica.

Ryan Fox with his 2025 Canadian Open PGA Tour trophy. He's started his defence with a solid first round PHOTO: CANADIAN OPEN New Zealand golfer Ryan Fox has built a solid opening round as he looks to defend his Canadian Open title Held at the TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley - North Course Fox had just one bogey in his round LATEST HEADLINES: Victoria Esson stays at Phoenix New trio on NZcricket contracts Super Rugby Aupiki round one Hobbs Diamond League podium Price Equestrian Eventing No 1 Fox carded a four-under 66 with birdies at the first, third, sixth, eighth and 11th holes. The one bogey was on the was on the par four fifth hole. Fox is tied for 19th. There's a six-way tie for the lead at six-under including Brooks Koepka

Experienced international keeper Vic Esson is staying with the Wellington Phoenix for another season PHOTO: LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPY The Phoenix have re-signed Football Ferns goalkeeper Victoria Esson for the 2026-27 A-League season. Esson started 22 of the team’s 23 matches in her maiden season in Wellington, including last month’s grand final, and kept eight clean sheets, twice as many as any other Nix ‘keeper in the team’s five-year history. LATEST HEADLINES: New trio on NZcricket contracts Super Rugby Aupiki round one Hobbs Diamond League podium Price Equestrian Eventing No 1 Cooper Moore Junior Pres Cup She is he 13th women’s player on the club’s books for next season. Phoenix head coach Bev Priestman says it was a priority to extend Esson’s contract. “I’m delighted to re-sign someone of Vic’s calibre with the leadership and experience she brings to the team,” Priestman said. “Her experience and leadership really shone through in big moments and she made some critical saves for the team, including in the away leg of the semi-final against the Brisbane Roar. “Vic kept us in the semi-final and gave us the opportunity to go enjoy an incredible moment with the fans at Porirua Park and create history by qualifying for the grand final. “She has been part of the leadership group this season and a big contributor to the team so I can’t wait to have her back next season when the standards will need to go up again for everyone.” Esson says it was an easy decision to re-sign with the Phoenix as she feels she has unfinished business in Wellington. “You get that close, you get a taste of it and you want more,” Esson said. “We came second in the league and second in the finals. “We’re going to have to work really hard to get ourselves into a position where we’re able to compete for the title again, and it won’t be easy. “I definitely think that’s achievable with the squad we’ve retained and the coaching staff we’ve got.” Esson also “really enjoyed being back in New Zealand and being around Kiwis again” after seven seasons in Europe. “I love Kiwis, I love New Zealand and the nature is beautiful. We have an amazing training facility out in the hills. “For me it was pretty grounding being back in New Zealand. I was able to see my family a lot more than I have in the last few years. “There is a lot of travel to Australia playing for the Phoenix, but it’s what we signed up for playing for this team. “I can’t wait to spend another year back near my family and friends while playing the sport that I love.” And she hopes the fans that turned out in record numbers last season keep supporting the team. “Thank you to the fans who braved all the weather, including the horizontal rain in February, and we’d love for you to come back next season. “I loved playing at Porirua Park. It’s amazing to play in the big stadiums but Porirua Park has that family feel to it and we can make it our own and make it hostile for other teams to come to. “It’s great signing all of the autographs for the kids after the game and seeing all the smiles on their faces. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase football in Wellington and across New Zealand and I look forward to getting involved in that again next season.”