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Ellie Walker at SC Braga in Portugal will play at the Wellington Phoenix next season PHOTO: WELLINGTON PHOENIX The Wellington Phoenix have signed Ellie Walker as their second visa signing for the 2025-26 A-League season. The American, 25, spent last season at SC Braga, helping them qualify for the UEFA Champions League with a third-place finish in the Campeonato Nacional Feminino, Portugal’s top division. LATEST HEADLINES: Next Ferns selections confirmed Routliffe semis, Venus quarters NZ team inUCI BMX World Cup Super Rugby semifinal teams Sun starts Wimbledon build up Previously, the centre-back played two seasons for fellow Portuguese side SCU Torreense, and featured in the American college system for two-time national champions Portland University. Interim Phoenix head coach Amy Shepherd is delighted to have secured a player with Walker’s profile. “Ellie had three successful seasons in Portugal’s top-flight league, including her recent stint at Sporting Braga,” Shepherd said. “She is a ball-playing centre-back known for her commanding presence both defensively and with the ball. “Her skill in progressing play and moving the ball forward perfectly aligns with our vision for the team’s style of play. “With a strong winning mentality, Ellie brings the perfect blend of youth and experience, and we’re excited to have her join our Phoenix whanau.” Walker is looking forward to the next chapter in her career. “I spent three years in Portugal, I knew the league really well, and felt that it was time to look at other leagues,” she said. “I was really interested in what the Wellington Phoenix are looking to do, and also in the league itself.” “You know how the football world is, it’s so small. I had a teammate who had played in the A-League, and I’d heard really good things about it. She is confident she can add a physical edge to the team this season. “I’m very tall and also strong, and my aerial presence can make me a threat offensively and defensively. “On the ball, I think I have good vision and a range of passing, and I can play on the left side or the right side. “My ability to adapt can help benefit the team.” While New Zealand is a world away from both Portugal and her hometown of Vancouver, Washington, she can’t wait to be “immersed.” “I’ve never heard a negative thing about New Zealand. “I think learning about the culture of the country, in the research that I’ve done, I’m really interested and excited to get to live there. “My family are just excited I have a new opportunity in a new league, and can continue to grow.” And building a relationship with the Yellow Fever is high on her priority list. “Having a really strong fanbase is so good. As someone new, that’s really encouraging to have. “Sometimes fans don’t even really realise how important it is, but to players, that energy you can feel when you play at home goes so far. “I’m so excited to be a part of that, meet the fans, and really feel like I’m a part of the club.” Walker is the 11th player confirmed in the Wellington Phoenix 2025-26 first team squad, with more signings and re-signings expected to be announced in the near future

Will it be success again in Christchurch for the Crusaders over the Blues. PHOTO: SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC Can the Blues carry on their form from sixth going into the playoffs and beat the Crusaders in Christchurch and can the ACT Brumbies upset the Chiefs in Hamilton in Super Rugby Pacific semifinals? The Blues have made one change to the side that beat the Chiefs, with Zarn Sullivan coming in at fullback with his big boot. LATEST HEADLINES: Sun starts Wimbledon build up All Whites beaten by Ukraine White Ferns in NZA tour side Clarke re-signs til end of 2027 Phoenix Women sign goalscorer The Crusaders have stuck with an unchanged side for the Friday night clash, having won 21 of their last 23 Super Rugby matches against the Blues, including four in a row at Apollo Projects Stadium. However, the last two games have been by margins of just two and three points, 25-22 in Round 10. There is a small reshuffle in the loose forwards for the Chiefs side to take on the Brumbies on Saturday night in Hamilton. Wallace Sititi is at No 8, with Luke Jacobson returning at openside and Samipeni Finau on the blindside. Simon Parker is out of the squad following an ankle injury, with Jimmy Tupou and Kaylum Boshier on the bench. In the midfield, form back Quinn Tupaea returns to start at second-five as well. The Chiefs have won four consecutive over the Brumbies but in playoff mtches it's two-two Crusaders vs Blues, Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch, Friday June 13, 7:05pm CRUSADERS : Will Jordan, Chay Fihaki, Braydon Ennor, David Havili, Sevu Reece, Rivez Reihana, Noah Hotham, Christian Lio-Willie, Tom Christie, Ethan Blackadder, Antonio Shalfoon, Scott Barrett, Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor, George Bower. Reserves : George Bell, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Seb Calder, Jamie Hannah, Cullen Grace, Kyle Preston, James O'Connor, Dallas McLeod BLUES : Zarn Sullivan, Mark Tele'a, Rieko Ioane, AJ Lam, Caleb Clarke, Beauden Barrett, Finlay Christie, Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papali'i, Adrian Choat, Laghlan McWhannell, Patrick Tuipulotu, Marcel Renata, Ricky Riccitelli, Joshua Fusitu'a. Reserves : Kurt Eklund, Jordan Lay, Angus Ta'avao, Josh Beehre, Anton Segner, Sam Nock, Harry Plummer, Cole Forbes Chiefs vs ACT Brumbies, FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, Saturday June 14, 7:05pm CHIEFS : Shaun Stevenson, Emoni Narawa, Daniel Rona, Quinn Tupaea, Leroy Carter, Damian McKenzie, Cortez Ratima, Wallace Sititi, Luke Jacobson, Samipeni Finau, Tupou Vaa'i, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, George Dyer, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Ollie Norris. Reserves : Brodie McAlister, Jared Proffit, Reuben O'Neill, Jimmy Tupou, Kaylum Boshier, Xavier Roe, Josh Jacomb, Gideon Wrampling

Female athletes line up for speed and agility testing during the Next Ferns Wellington regional combine, one of four events designed to unearth new to rugby talent. PHOTO: NZ RUGBY Twenty-two talented athletes, including sprinters, kickboxers, and rowers have been selected to attend the Next Ferns national combined event. They'll then be assessed by Black Ferns Director of Rugby Alan Bunting and Black Ferns Sevens coach Corey Sweeney. LATEST HEADLINES: Routliffe semis, Venus quarters NZ team inUCI BMX World Cup Super Rugby semifinal teams Sun starts Wimbledon build up All Whites beaten by Ukraine The inaugural Next Ferns programme was designed to unearth new-to-rugby talent ahead of the 2029 Rugby World Cup and 2032 Olympics, with the final event taking place over two days at the New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport (NZCIS) in Wellington on 22 June. More than 200 female athletes aged 16-25 registered for the Next Ferns events with 87 being tested for speed, agility, fitness, athletic ability and basic rugby skills at four regional events held in Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton and Auckland. New Zealand Rugby’s Women's High Performance Pathways Manager Kendra Cocksedge said the regional combines run by Australian-based company Rookie Me had unearthed some outstanding individual talent. “Rookie Me have benchmarked thousands of athletes across multiple sports and a number of these young women were ranked in the top tier for their gender and age. It will be exciting to see if they can transfer that raw athletic talent into the rugby environment.” Among the final group are two daughters of former Black Ferns, Amber Mahoney and Kavanah Lene. Mahoney’s mother Rebecca played 19 Tests as a first five from 2004-2011 before becoming an international rugby referee, while Lene’s mother Stacey, a fullback, was capped seven times from 2003-2005. Neither Amber or Kavanah followed in their mother’s sprig marks, playing football and basketball respectively until now. Similarly, Jasmine Davis has excelled at netball and athletics but is now stepping into a sport her father Chresten excelled in as a lock who played two matches for the All Blacks in the 1990s. “While there are a few who are playing their first year of serious rugby this year, this is largely a group who have excelled and focused on other sports. We set out to find new to rugby athletes we know many of our best professional players have come from similarly diverse sporting backgrounds,” said Cocksedge. The national combine would see the athletes experience more rigorous testing of their physical strength and power, as well as their coachability. “From here it’s about building a physical and psychological profile, working out which positions they could target in rugby, and at the same time whether they have the drive to take the next step and enter one of our high performance programmes.” Rookie Me CEO Adham Dimachki was thrilled with the turnout. “Our organisation is a strong example of how data-driven talent identification insights and technology, reveals quality talent, complementing the Next Ferns talent ID campaign. It’s great to see New Zealand Rugby investing in a scalable and reliable model, which not only discovers untapped athletic potential, but also strengthens the long-term depth of its national squads.” The 22 athletes selected from the four regional events who will attend the Next Ferns national combine are: Auckland Laura Lee Walker, Jordyn Kennedy, Morticia Levi, Kiana Pohe, Gabby Murare, Ngaawaimarino Simpkins, Paris Robertson, Charlotte Goldsmith, Taya Lewis Hamilton Te Pumanawa o toku ate Rogers, Grace Ngataua, Te Paea Puha, Jasmine Davis, Sarah-Kate Nicholas, Anna Knight. Christchurch Grace Kuil, Emily Barr, Ruby Giera, Kavanah Lene, Abby Kneebone Wellington Amber Mahoney, Olivia Robson

Leila Walker in action at the Oceania Championships earlier this year PHOTO: COLE MCONIE Olympians Leila Walker and Rico Bearman lead the kiwi contingent as the international season begins with the UCI BMX Racing World Cup in Sarrians, France this weekend. While last year’s BMX Racing World Cup began in New Zealand and Australia, the racing season has ventured back to its heartland in Europe with two double-rounds in France and Netherlands ahead of the July World Championships in the Danish capital of Copenhagen. LATEST HEADLINES: Super Rugby semifinal teams Sun starts Wimbledon build up All Whites beaten by Ukraine White Ferns in NZA tour side Clarke re-signs til end of 2027 Walker is edging back into competition after three months off the bike following surgery on her foot from a training accident, and is not putting too much pressure on herself this weekend. “I feel quite strong and fit from a lot of rehab work and cross-training. Now I need to get more comfortable back on the track now,” said the Cambridge rider. “It was a long time off the bike and this will be my first international race of the season. I will use the first two World Cups to get into the groove again, back to racing with the girls and getting some gates under me.” Walker, who made her Olympic debut in Paris and was a finalist in last year’s world championships, will face a strong line-up. It includes Olympic champion Saya Sakakibara (AUS) and two medallists from last year’s world final in Zoe Claessens (SUI) and Daleny Vaughn (USA). Walker will be joined by Rotorua’s Megan Williams in the elite competition, with Lily Greenough (Cambridge) riding in the under-23 class. Unfortunately Te Awamutu rider Brooke Penny (Te Awamutu) was injured in the French Cup event at Sarrians last weekend and has withdrawn from the weekend Lily Greenough, who will make her World Cup debut, won her class at the French Cup at the weekend, following on from finishing runner-up in junior elite at last year’s world championships. Bearman, sixth in last year’s world championship final, is fresh from an enjoyable New Zealand summer training, with stints racing in USA and a training block in Australia. After riding in USA for Speedco in recent years, Bearman has moved to English-based team BeStrong and feels refreshened for the new campaign. “My team manager left and I was approached by BeStrong so felt it was a good opportunity and it’s proved refreshing,” said Bearman. “Everything is going well. I felt I had good training over the summer and my last two training sessions with the fast people felt good. So I am ready to see how I go.” He has been training with “the fast guys” including Paris Olympic medallists, Romain Mahieu and Sylvain Andre plus 2022 world champion Simon Marquart. North Harbour veteran, Michael Bias joins Bearman in the kiwi elite competition, after a strong 2024 season and with the benefit of racing regularly in the powerful French club competition in recent years. The New Zealand under-23 males comprise Finn Cogan (East City, Auckland), Jack Greenough (Cambridge), Cooper Richardson (North Harbour) and Nick Cowie (Southland), who is now based in Cambridge. Jack Greenough won the opening round at the 2024 UCI BMX Racing World Cup in Rotorua, while Cogan was second in the junior elite class in the French Cup event on the Sarrians track at the weekend. There are two rounds of the UCI BMX Racing World Cup at Sarrians on Saturday and Sunday, with two further rounds on 21 and 22 June at Papendal, Netherlands. Focus then moves to the world championships in Copenhagen from July 28 to August 3 followed by the final World Cup double rounds in Santiago Del Estero, Argentina in September. The New Zealand contingent racing this weekend are: Female, Under-23: Lily Greenough (Cambridge), Brooke Penny (Te Awamutu). Elite: Leila Walker (Cambridge), Megan Williams (Rotorua) Male, Under-23: Finn Cogan (East City, Auckland), Jack Greenough (Cambridge), Cooper Richardson (North Harbour), Nick Cowie (Southland). Elite: Michael Bias (North Harbour), Rico Bearman (North Harbour) C

Hannah Rowe seen here is in the NZA squad as a bowler who and lower order batter PHOTO: LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY A strong New Zealand A squad featuring 11 players with White Ferns experience will embark on a six-match tour to England later this month. The tour, comprising three List A one-dayers followed by three T20s, is the return leg of a bilateral A series reintroduced to NZC’s women’s pathway last year. LATEST HEADLINES: Clarke re-signs til end of 2027 Phoenix Women sign goalscorer Max Mata leaving Auckland FC Pulse retain injury replacements Ngani Laumape signs for Moana The A programme aims to provide elevated playing opportunities to emerging New Zealand players and promising domestic talent. White Ferns opener Georgia Plimmer and wicketkeeper-batter Izzy Gaze headline a strong batting unit featuring Northern Districts’ Player of the Year Jess Watkin; recent international debutants Otago Sparks’ Bella James and Polly Inglis, Central Hinds’ Emma McLeod, and Canterbury Magicians’ Izzy Sharp. Northern Districts’ captain Watkin, features off the back of a memorable summer in which she produced significant performances with bat and ball, leading her side to the Super Smash elimination final for the second year in a row. Inglis, McLeod and Sharp made their Nwe Zealand debut during the home series against Sri Lanka in March, alongside Auckland Hearts’ left-arm seamer Bree Illing and Central Hinds’ allrounder, Flora Devonshire. Twenty-one-year-old Illing burst onto the international scene taking an unbeaten two for 42 on debut during the first ODI against Sri Lanka, claiming the wicket of their captain Chamari Athapaththu in back-to-back matches. Hannah Rowe and Molly Penfold will lead the pace bowling unit alongside Otago Sparks’ Emma Black and Auckland Hearts’ Amie Hucker and Illing. Following consistent performances over recent domestic seasons, in-swinger Black and Northern Districts’ allrounder Nensi Patel will again get the opportunity to test themselves at the next level, after both featuring in New Zealand A’s one day series victory over England A last March. The spin contingent includes allrounders Patel, Watkin and Devonshire as well as Otago Sparks Rising Star award-recipient Anna Browning. Canterbury men’s assistant coach Brendon Donkers will lead the New Zealand A coaching unit, with support from White Ferns assistant coach Craig McMillan and Northern Brave women’s coach Peter Borren. Donkers will name the team’s captains once the squad have assembled in England. The squad departs Saturday with their first One Day match in Derby on June 23. New Zealand A Squad Emma Black (Otago Sparks) Anna Browning (Otago Sparks) Flora Devonshire (Central Hinds) Izzy Gaze (Auckland Hearts) Amie Hucker (Auckland Hearts) Bree Illing (Auckland Hearts) Polly Inglis (Otago Sparks) Bella James (Otago Sparks) Emma McLeod (Central Hinds) Nensi Patel (Northern Districts) Molly Penfold (Auckland Hearts) Georgia Plimmer (Wellington Blaze) Hannah Rowe (Central Hinds) Izzy Sharp (Canterbury Magicians) Jess Watkin (Northern Districts) New Zealand A tour to England One Day series 1st One Day match – Monday June 23 – County Ground, Derby – 10pm NZT (11am local) 2nd One Day match – Thursday June 26 – County Ground, Derby - 10pm NZT (11am local) 3rd One Day match – Sunday June 29 – County Ground, Chelmsford – 10pm NZT (11am local) T20 series 1st T20 – Friday July 4 – County Ground, Chelmsford – 1.30am NZT +1 day (2.30pm local) 2nd T20 – Sunday July 6 – Kent County Ground, Beckenham – 1.30am NZT +1 day (2.30pm local) 3rd T20 – Tuesday July 8 – Kent County Ground, Beckenham – 1.30am NZT +1 day (2.30pm local)

Caleb Clarke is staying with the Blues and NZ Rugby until the end of 2027 PHOTO: NICK BOTHMA ACTION PRESS Powerful wing Caleb Clarke has re-signed with the Blues, and New Zealand Rugby through to the end of the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season. Clarke has become a key figure in the Blues backline with his explosive pace, powerful running and infectious energy both on and off the field. LATEST HEADLINES: Phoenix Women sign goalscorer Max Mata leaving Auckland FC Pulse retain injury replacements Ngani Laumape signs for Moana Vettori ICC Cricket Hall of Fame Since making his Super Rugby debut in 2018, the Auckland-born winger has grown into one of the game’s most exciting talents. For Clarke, the decision to stay was driven by a deep connection to the club and its people. “The Blues is home for me. I’ve grown up here, developed here, and achieved some amazing things with this team. I’m proud to represent our region and am excited about what’s ahead,” said Clarke. “We’ve got an exciting group of guys, awesome fans, and I’m looking forward to continue running out in blue.” Blues GM of Rugby Murray Williams welcomed the news of Clarke’s recommitment. “We’re stoked to have Caleb locked in through 2027. He’s been a big part of our journey over the last few years and continues to develop as a world class player,” he said. “His energy is contagious, he’s passionate about the Blues jersey, and he will be a huge part of our success moving forward.” NZR General Manager Professional Rugby & Performance Chris Lendrum added: “Coming off the back of a strong 2024 season for both the Blues and All Blacks we are looking forward to Caleb’s continued growth over the next two years in New Zealand.” The Blues face the Crusaders in a Super Rugby semifinal in Christchurch on Saturday.

Max Mata played 19 games for Auckland FC in its first season PHOTO: AUCKLAND FC Max Mata is leaving Auckland FC after its first season where he had been on loan from Shrewsbury Town A message was posted on Auckland FC social media from Mata, 24, thanking the club. "Thank you for everything, for all the good times and memories. My time at the club may be over, but i'll be back in Auckland for sure. It's less of a goodbye and more of a see you later. LATEST HEADLINES: Pulse retain injury replacements Ngani Laumape signs for Moana Vettori ICC Cricket Hall of Fame Magic win netball clash over Stars Kiwi 49er team strike gold in Europe Mata, originally from Auckland, joined the A-League expansion side for the club’s inaugural season and played 19 games in the Premiership-winning campaign. The former All White scored two goals and notched three assists through his 19 appearances but a hamstring injury prevented him from contributing to Auckland’s Finals Series push, ad the Black Knights fell short in a two-legged Semi-Final loss to Melbourne Victory with Mata on the sidelines. Auckland head coach Corica thanked Mata for his contribution to the Premiership success in 2024-25 and wished him well for his return to Shrewsbury Town in England’s League Two. “He’s a great character, a good player and we’ll certainly miss him,” said Corica. “He worked well alongside May. He was able to create chances and make space for his teammates. Shrewsbury is a good club with a reputation for developing talent. I am sure they will look after him there. We wish him all the best for the future, and he’ll always be welcome around the club.” Shrewsbury Town were this season relegated from League One (the third tier of English Football) to League Two.

Seb Menzies and George Lee Rush won the 2025 European championships with a day to spare. PHOTO: NIKOS PANTIS Rising Kiwi 49er team Seb Menzies and George Lee Rush struck gold at the European Championships in Greece. It was their proudest sailing achievement to date and the first major success for New Zealand in the class since a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. LATEST HEADLINES: Black Foils second NYC, third overall Top-10 finishes for Kiwis Garvey, Alker Ryan Fox wins Canadian Open playoff Wollaston sprints to Tour of Britain win Determined Mystics beat Central Pulse Menzies and Lee Rush secured overall victory in a strong men's skiff fleet with a day - and the medal race - to spare, having taken the lead on the second day of competition in Thessaloniki. They delivered a calm and consistent performance across the week, notching 11 top-10 finishes from 12 fleet races, before also placing fourth in the double-points medal race to win the regatta by a commanding 54 points. American crew Nevin Snow and Ian MacDiarmid were second, with Uruguay’s Hernán Umpierre and Fernando Diz third. New Kiwi pairing Sam Bacon and Blake McGlashan narrowly missed out on the medal race with a 13th-place overall finish - their best result since teaming up last year. Another emerging duo, Mattias Coutts and Oscar Gunn, placed second in the silver fleet (27th overall), while Francesco Kayrouz and Hamish McLaren finished 49th. They've been steadily climbing the ranks over the past year. They finished fourth at last year's junior world championships, just days before Isaac McHardie and Will McKenzie took 49er silver at the Paris Games. In the Olympic medallists' absence, Menzies and Lee Rush won the 2025 Oceanbridge Sail Auckland in February, placed ninth at the Princess Sofia Trophy in Palma in April, and came 13th at French Olympic Week in Hyères a fortnight later. Their progress owes a lot to the depth and quality of the New Zealand 49er squad, which includes Bacon and McGlashan, Coutts and Gunn, and Kayrouz and McLaren. The pair have their sights set on the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, but know there's a long road ahead.

Daniel Vettori has been inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame PHOTO: ICC SCREEN GRAPHIC Legendary New Zealand left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori has been inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame, joining some of the game’s finest names. A career that began in the late 1990s stretched nearly two decades, Vettori became one of New Zealand’s most respected cricketers and a central figure in the team’s rise in international cricket. LATEST HEADLINES: Magic win netball clash over Stars Kiwi 49er team strike gold in Europe Black Foils second NYC, third overall Top-10 finishes for Kiwis Garvey, Alker Ryan Fox wins Canadian Open playoff Finishing with more than 700 international wickets and close to 7000 international runs, Vettori’s career was defined by adaptability, intelligence, and understated excellence with bat and ball. A maestro with the ball. The cricket world salutes Daniel Vettori, New Zealand’s best ever spinner and one of their greatest leaders. Vettori remains one of only a handful of left-arm orthodox spinners to achieve sustained success across formats. His 362 Test wickets – the most by any New Zealander barring Sir Richard Hadlee and Tim Southee – came through accuracy, subtle variation, and reading batters rather than turn alone. Making his debut at just 18, Vettori became the youngest man to play Test cricket for New Zealand at the time. Over time, he developed into a complete package, equally effective at holding one end or attacking when needed. Among his most memorable moments was a 12-wicket haul against Australia in Auckland in 2000, in addition adding up 20 five-wicket hauls across his career in the format. He ended with 4,531 Test runs - a rare feat for a frontline bowler - with six centuries and 23 half-centuries as well to his name, further underlining his all-round value. Vettori captained New Zealand in 32 Tests, 82 ODIs and 28 T20Is, taking over during a phase of rebuilding and helping nurture a generation that would go on to reach the 2015 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Final. His captaincy was marked by calm decision-making and personal consistency. At the 2011 Cricket World Cup, his last as skipper, Vettori led New Zealand to the semi-finals, where they lost to eventual runners up Sri Lanka, playing a key role with the ball and his tactical nous. In ODIs, Vettori’s 305 wickets are the most in the format by a Kiwi bowler, and was a crucial figure in the team’s charge to the Cricket World Cup 2015 final, where they lost to eventual champions Australia. Following this, he called time on his international career. His white-ball economy was exemplary, finishing with an ODI economy rate of just 4.12 and a T20I rate of 5.70, both remarkable numbers in the modern era. His control in all conditions and ability to adapt to the demands of each format made him a vital cog in the Black Caps' journey into the modern game. The left-arm spinner was selected for the ICC World ODI XI in 2005, 2008 and 2010 and was also included in the Team of the Tournament at the 2015 Cricket World Cup After retirement, he has continued to shape the sport, coaching in leagues around the world and serving as a mentor and tactician.

Staying on for the remainder of the season for the Pulse, Amorangi Malesaia PHOTO: PULSE GRAPHIC Shooter Amorangi Malesala and Australian midcourter Gabi Simpson will remain with the Pulse for the rest of the ANZ Premiership netball league. With Malesala drafted in as a temporary replacement for Khiarna Williams, who is still rehabbing a shoulder injury, and Simpson adding cover for Maddy Gordon and Whitney Souness, the Pulse have opted to retain the 12 players allowed per squad. LATEST HEADLINES: Ngani Laumape signs for Moana Vettori ICC Cricket Hall of Fame Magic win netball clash over Stars Kiwi 49er team strike gold in Europe Black Foils second NYC, third overall ``After injury-restricted build-ups Maddy and Whitney have only recently returned to playing at this level and more recently playing full minutes, so there’s still uncertainty there,’’ Netball Central Director of High Performance Waimarama Taumaunu said. ``And, it’s a very short season, so if anything should go amiss, we have the cover rather than facing a last-minute search. ``Amorangi and Gabi are seasoned players, they’re very professional in everything they do, very positive team members and have added enormous value.’’ Starting her season as a training partner with the Magic, talented shooter Malesala, is now living the dream while re-launching her elite level career. ``I’m super blessed to be able to stay here permanently for the rest of the season,’’ she said. ``I guess that was not really part of the plan and it was a matter of just taking each week as it came but to be able to be here and for Anna (Andrews-Tasola, coach) to have the belief in me to be here and to be a part of the Pulse, I’m super grateful. ``I’ve loved every minute of it. It was definitely an eye-opener coming in because from the outside looking in, the Pulse are a tight-knit team so being able to be here and to experience that week-in week-out has been awesome for me. ``In order to grow my game and coming to a new environment, a clean slate gives me that ability to learn more about myself and to also immerse myself in this high intensity environment and it’s been pretty good so far.’’ Former Australian Diamond and Queensland Firebirds centurion, Simpson has put her physiotherapist clients and fledgling Australian Rules football career in Brisbane on hold to extend her stay in Wellington. ``I definitely didn’t expect to be here for the whole season but I’ve felt so welcomed and it’s such an enjoyable place to play netball,’’ she said ``Now I just really want to contribute to this group to see how good we can be, and I’m really excited to be able to be here for a little bit longer. ``I think the newness about it all has been super refreshing and for me as well, being able to play without much expectation and not a huge amount of ambition other than to make this group great is a really refreshing and freeing way to play. ``They’re a great bunch of girls and a great bunch of coaches. They’ve really taken me in and taught me a lot about the New Zealand way and their style of playing netball. And I really love the depth of culture in this team, it’s a special thing to be a part of.’’ After traversing the length of the country, Simpson had to wait until halfway through the season before playing her first game in Wellington at the Pulse’s spiritual home of TSB Arena. While that resulted in a disappointing loss to the Mystics, the passionate crowd left a lasting impression. ``Walking out in front of that crowd was unreal…..it’s loud, it’s yellow, there’s so much energy that you can feel it, so it’s really special to walk out in front of something like that and I guess create a new home,’’ she said.

Lucia Leon is leaving Adelaide United to join Wellington PHoenix PHOTO: A-LEAGUE A coup for the Wellington Phoenix women's side signing a proven experiencd goalscorer. They've stolen a big name from Adelaide United the A-League semifinalist with Lucia Leon set to join the Nix next season. LATEST HEADLINES: Max Mata leaving Auckland FC Pulse retain injury replacements Ngani Laumape signs for Moana Vettori ICC Cricket Hall of Fame Magic win netball clash over Stars She's gone from Madrid to London. From the Women’s Super League to Liga F. From becoming Spurs’ first ever London Derby goalscorer to captaining her country. She has done it all. The 27-year-old defender who captains the Dominican Republic is signed for the 2025-26 A-League season. Leon has played 42 games for Spurs, 15 for Madrid CFF, 41 with Real Betis, 20 at Watford, and 26 in Adelaide. The Phoenix finished ninth in the last A-League women's season with coach Paul Temple moving on.

Nani Laumape on the burst for the Hurricanes in 2020 will continue his rugby journey with Moana Pasifika PHOTO: LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY Former All Blacks midfielder Ngani Laumape has signed for Moana Pasifika for the 2026 and 2027 Super Rugby Pacific seasons. The 32-year-old is fresh off three seasons with the Kobelco Kobe Steelers in the Japan Rugby League One Competition, where he played alongside Moana Pasifika captain Ardie Savea. Laumape's arrival bolsters the 2026 Moana Pasifika squad, with 30 of the 38 roster spots now locked in. LATEST HEADLINES: Vettori ICC Cricket Hall of Fame Magic win netball clash over Stars Kiwi 49er team strike gold in Europe Black Foils second NYC, third overall Top-10 finishes for Kiwis Garvey, Alker "One of the reasons I came back was to be part of the first Moana Pasifika team to win the competition," said Laumape. "Obviously there has to be a lot of hard work and a lot of things behind the scenes that we'll have to do but why can't our culture and our people do something great in this competition. "That's pretty inspiring and definitely motivating." Head coach Fa'alogo Tana Umaga was pleased to have Laumape as a new member of the squad. "We're excited to welcome Ngani to our Moana Pasifika aiga. Ngani is a talented player who has proven himself on the international stage. From his experience in league, the All Blacks, as well as in France and in Japan, he has an open and mature outlook on the game. "Ngani is also a great person who has done well for himself and his family, and I know he'll be able to integrate smoothly into our team environment." A proud Tongan from the villages of Nukuhetulu and Folaha, Laumape was born and raised in Palmerston North. He played for the Palmerston North Boys' High School First XV and for the New Zealand Schools alongside Savea and another 2025 Moana Pasifika squad member – Sione Mafile'o. In 2013 he made the switch to rugby league, debuting for the New Zealand Warriors who he made 30 appearances for across two seasons, scoring 11 tries. After the stint in league, Laumape signed with the Hurricanes for the 2016 Super Rugby season and quickly made an impact with his strong carries and explosive running game, going on to win the team's first ever Super Rugby title. He continued his spectacular form in the 2017 season where he finished as the competition's most prolific try-scorer with 15 to his name. He scored a total of 49 tries across his six seasons in the capital. Laumape's standout campaign caught the eye of All Blacks selectors, earning him his international debut in the 2017 British and Irish Lions series in New Zealand He stepped in to start for the suspended Sonny Bill Williams in the series decider. He went on to play 15 Tests and two matches for the All Blacks between 2017-2020, scoring 10 tries. He will also return to play for the Manawatū Turbos in the National Provincial Championship.