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Former CD, Otago and South Africa coach Rob Walter has taken on the Black Caps head coach role PHOTO: ICC/GETTY IMAGES Rob Walter has been appointed new Black Caps head coach effective from mid-June through to the conclusion of the ICC T20 World Cup in New Zealand and Australia in October-November 2028. Highly familiar with the New Zealand game, South African-born Walter lives in the Hawke’s Bay with his wife Heather and two sons, having previously filled the Head Coach roles for the Otago Volts and the Central Stags. LATEST HEADLINES: Saints roll; Sharks into top six contention Canes hooker Asafo Aumua out injured Paul Coll into British Open quarterfinals Super Rugby teams set for playoff  games Football Ferns score to beat Venezeula He was most recently the Head Coach of South Africa men’s white ball teams which, under his guidance, reached the semi-finals of the 2023 Cricket World Cup, the semi-finals of the 2025 Champions Trophy, and the final of the 2024 T20 World Cup. Walter’s contract term means he will oversee the Black Caps through a demanding international schedule, including the ICC World Test Championship, the 2028 LA Olympics, and three major ICC events: the ICC 2026 T20 World Cup, the ICC 2027 Cricket World Cup, and the ICC 2028 T20 World Cup. During his tenure with the Otago Volts, Walter led the team to the Super Smash play-offs in 2019-20 and secured back-to-back Ford Trophy finals appearances in 2018-19 and 2019-20. His time with the Central Stags was even more impressive: the team reaching the Ford Trophy final in 2021-22, ahead of championship victories in both the Ford Trophy and the Plunket Shield in 2022-23. He also coached the men’s New Zealand A squad in India in 2022 and has previously been the assistant coach of the Pune Warriors and the Delhi Daredevils, respectively, as well as the Head Coach of South African side, the Eastern Titans. Walter, who replaces the highly successful Gary Stead as BLACKCAPS Head Coach, said he was honoured and excited to be given the responsibility of carrying on the excellent work of his predecessor, and contributing to such a high-performing group of players and staff. “The Black Caps have been a successful and highly-regarded team on the world scene for some time now and it’s a real privilege to be given the chance to add to that,” he said. “It’s an amazing opportunity to work with such a talented group of players and support staff through a period of time in which so many global events, as well as massive bilateral series, will be contested. “I just can’t wait to get started. It’s exciting, it’s challenging, and the opportunity is enormous for everyone.”

The Wellington Saints became the first team to 12 wins in the National Basketball League (NBL) this season. The Mills Albert Saints pulled away in the fourth quarter for a 93-77 road win over the Logik Franklin Bulls at The Stockyard in Pukekohe to open Week 12 of the Sal's NBL on Wednesday night. LATEST HEADLINES: Canes hooker Asafo Aumua out injured Paul Coll into British Open quarterfinals Super Rugby teams set for playoff games Football Ferns score to beat Venezeula Gary Stead steps down from Black Caps The Saints got a game-high 25 points (7/19 FG, 3/6 3pt, 8/10 FT), seven rebounds and five steals from Australian forward Nick Marshall, while Tall Blacks forward Hyrum Harris just missed a triple-double, with 13 points (5/14 FG), 14 boards, eight assists and three steals. Kiwi guard Izayah Le'afa put up 20 points (7/15 FG, 3/9 3pt), four boards, three assists and three steals, while American centre Nick Muszynski had 18 points (7/11 FG, 4/5 FT) and nine rebounds, and Jordan Ngatai nine points and seven boards. For the Bulls, German centre Till Gloger had 18 points (8/13 FG) and nine rebounds, while Tobias Cameron added 12 points (5/11 FG) and four assists, and Flynn Cameron 10 points (3/6 FG, 4/4 FT) and 10 rebounds off the bench. Saints forward Hyrum Harris was just two assists shy of a triple-double against the Bulls. PHOTO: NBL Tall Blacks guard Ethan Rusbatch was held to just six points and six boards, while the Bulls' other two imports, Tae Hardy and David Okwera, combined for just 15 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals. After a first half that featured eight lead changes and seven ties, the Saints took control with a 14-0 run early in the third period, then put the game away with a 13-0 stretch midway through the fourth quarter. The Saints (12-4) are off until next Saturday (tip-off 7.30pm), when they host the Auckland Tuatara, while the Bulls (7-9) have a longer wait before travelling to Invercargill to face the Southland Sharks on Sunday, June 15 (tip-off 6.30pm). In the race for the lower playoff seedings behind the Rams and Saints, the Southland Sharks scored a big home win on Thursday night. The Sharks got 66 points from their three American imports in a 99-90 victory over the Taranaki Airs at Invercargill's ILT Stadium Southland, improving them to 7-8 and to fifth in the standings. Keylan Boone led Southland with 26 points (8/12 FG, 5/7 3pt, 5/5 FT), seven rebounds and two blocks, while his fellow import Caleb Asberry put up 21 points (6/11 FG, 3/6 3pt, 6/10 FT), four boards, nine assists and two blocks. American big man Josiah Allick provided 19 points (5/7 FG, 9/10 FT), nine rebounds and seven assists, while former Tall Black Brayden Inger had 14 points (5/9 FG, 2/4 3pt) off the bench. Keylan Boone led the Southland Sharks with 26 points and seven rebounds. PHOTO: NBL NZ Breakers forward Carlin Davison top-scored for the Airs, with 26 points (11/17 FG, 3/7 3pt), six rebounds, eight assists and two steals, while Dom Kelman-Poto, Jaylen Gerrand, Armon Fletcher and Deng Dut also scored in double figures. In a back-and-forth game, which featured 15 lead changes and 10 ties, the Sharks scored 11 straight points early in the fourth, then eight straight, all at the free-throw line, in the final two minutes to pull away. In the mid-table battle likely for four up-for-grabs playoff spots, the third-placed Manawatu Jets (8-5) are separated from the ninth-placed Bulls (7-9) by just 2 1/2 games. Teams have between four and seven games remaining. The Sharks next host the Bulls in nine days, while the Airs (8-6) return to the court on Saturday (tip-off 7.30pm) against the Otago Nuggets (2-12) in Dunedin.

Shaun Stevenson played his 100th Super Rugby match, for the Chiefs, in April. PHOTO: DAVE LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY Chiefs and Bay of Plenty outside back Shaun Stevenson's time in New Zealand rugby is almost over. In one of NZ rugby's worst-kept secrets, the Chiefs confirmed on Monday the one-test All Black would join the Kubota Spears in Japan Rugby League One following the Super Rugby Pacific (SRP) season. LATEST HEADLINES: Coll eases into third round at British Open Four new players get Black Caps contracts Magic score first win of netball Premiership Warriors' Barnett suffers season-ending injury Sportspeople rewarded in King's Honours New Zealand Rugby (NZR) turned down Stevenson's request for an early release from his contract in December but did grant him a brief sabbatical to join Kubota before returning for the SRP season. Stevenson, 28, was disappointed with the level of feedback and communication from new All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson and his staff, not knowing where he stood in the national pecking order. "Shaun has been a special part of our club for nearly a decade - not just for his talent on the field, but for the character and energy he brings off it," Chiefs CEO Simon Graafhuis said in a statement. “He’ll always be part of our Chiefs whānau and I look forward to seeing him shine in Japan.” Shaun Stevenson helped the Chiefs to the top qualifying spot in Super Rugby Pacific this season. PHOTO: DAVE LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY Stevenson became the 11th Chiefs player to make 100 Super Rugby appearances , against the Queensland Reds in April, and started 10 matches this season in their run to top qualifying spot for the playoffs. He made his Chiefs debut in 2016 under coach Dave Rennie, and played for New Zealand Under-20, Maori All Blacks, All Blacks XV and a solitary All Blacks test in 2023, scoring a try against the Wallabies in their 23-20 win. Kubota lost the Japan Rugby League One Division 1 final on Sunday to a Toshiba Brave Lupus side coached by Todd Blackadder and with former All Blacks first-five Richie Mo’unga playing a starring role. The Chiefs host the sixth-placed Blues in a qualifying final in Hamilton on Saturday night, as Stevenson tries to go out a winner in the coming weeks with his first Super Rugby Pacific title.

Aidan Ross (far right) plays his 100th Super Rugby game when the Chiefs host the Blues PHOTO: CRIAG BUTLAND/LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY Playoffs time in Super Rugby Pacific and the Crusaders look to be the biggest favourites as they host the Reds on Friday in Christhurch. The Crusaders have won 13 of their past 14 matches against the Queensland side Will Jordan's back from a knee injury while there's the traditional strength across the park for the home side. LATEST HEADLINES: Football Ferns score to beat Venezeula Gary Stead steps down from Black Caps Jacobson re-signs with NZR, Chiefs Warriors juggle selections for Sharks Stevenson off to Japanese club Kubota For the Chiefs Loosehead prop Aidan Ross will celebrate 100 games in the Chiefs jersey after eight seasons in the front row. He becomes the 13th player to hit the milestone . Wallace Sititi will be used as an impact player with a starting loose forward trio of Simon Parker, Luke Jacobson (c), Samipeni Finau. There’s just one change to the starting XV with Adrian Choat coming in at blindside flanker for Anton Segner who will provide impact off the bench. The game will be a special occasion for hooker Ricky Riccitelli who will run out in his 50th match for the Blues while in-form Rieko Ioane and Mark Tele'a will be wanting to win as it could be their last games in New Zealand for some time as both players are heading overseas The Chiefs have won nine of their last 11 games against the Blues in Hamilton. Meanwhile Asafo Aumua is back for the Hurricanes for their play-off match against the Brumbies., a significant boost with Raymond Tuputupu backing him up on the bench and Jacob Devery dropping out of the squad. Caleb Delany comes back in at lock alongside Zach Gallagher, and Ngane Punivai is on the bench. Brett Cameron and Ruben Love start. Overall in Super Rugby Pacific the Brumbies lead 19 matches to 14 but the Canes won their most recent encounter. Crusaders v Red, Friday 6 June, 7.05pm, Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch Crusaders: Will Jordan, Chay Fihaki, Braydon Ennor, David Havili (captain), Sevu Reece, Rivez Reihana, Noah Hotham; Christian Lio-Willie, Tom Christie, Ethan Blackadder, Antonio Shalfoon, Scott Barrett, Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor, Tamaiti Williams. Reserves: George Bell, George Bower, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Tahlor Cahill, Cullen Grace, Kyle Preston, James O'Connor, Dallas McLeod. Chiefs v Blues, Saturday 7 June, 7.05pm, Waikato Stadium, Hamilton Chiefs : Shaun Stevenson, Emoni Narawa, Daniel Rona, Gideon Wrampling, Leroy Carter, Damian McKenzie, Cortez Ratima; Simon Parker, Luke Jacobson (c), Samipeni Finau, Tupou Vaa’i, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, George Dyer, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Aidan Ross. Reserves: Brodie McAlister, Ollie Norris, Reuben O’Neill, Josh Lord, Wallace Sititi, Xavier Roe, Josh Jacomb, Etene Nanai-Seturo. Blues : Corey Evans, Mark Tele’a, Rieko Ioane, AJ Lam, Caleb Clarke, Beauden Barrett, Finlay Christie; Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papali’i, Adrian Choat, Laghlan McWhannell, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), 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. Brumbies v Hurricanes, Saturday 7 June, Gio Stadium, Canberra Hurricanes: Ruben Love, Bailyn Sullivan, Billy Proctor (co-capt), Peter Umaga-Jensen, Fatafehi Fineanganofo, Brett Cameron, Cam Roigard; Peter Lakai, Du’Plessis Kirifi (co-capt), Devan Flanders, Caleb Delany, Zach Gallagher, Tyrel Lomax, Asafo Aumua (co-capt), Xavier Numia. Reserves: Raymond Tuputupu, Tevita Mafileo, Pasilio Tosi, Hugo Plummer, Brad Shields (co-capt), Ereatara Enari, Ngatungane Punivai, Callum Harkin.

Asafo Aumua is now out injured for the Hurricanes clash with the Brumbies PHOTO: LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY The Hurricanes will be without All Blacks hooker Asafo Aumua for Saturday night's Super Rugby Pacific playoffs match against the Brumbies in Canberra. Twenty-eight-year-old Aumua was originally named to start on Wednesday but 24 hours lated he has been ruled out after a hamstring injury and won't travel to Australia. LATEST HEADLINES: Triple header for NZ MTB riders Paul Coll into British Open quarters Super Rugby playoffs teams ready Football Ferns score to beat Venezeula Gary Stead steps down from Black Caps His replacement is Jacob Devery, with Raymond Tuputupu on the bench. Co-captain Aumua didn't play in last Saturday night's big win over Moana Pasifika in Wellington due to concussion. The Hurricanes who are fourth travel to Canberra, while top qualifier the Chiefs host the Blues and second seeds the Crusaders are in Christchurch against the Reds.

Football Ferns scored a win in their second friendly against Venezuela PHOTO: FIFA + GRAPHIC The Football Ferns have bounced back to defeat Venezuela 2-1 in their second international friendly in Spain, just their second victory in 11 matches. A few days earlier Venezuela had won 3-1 in the first match against the better ranked Foortball Ferns. LATEST HEADLINES: Gary Stead steps down from Black Caps Jacobson re-signs with NZR, Chiefs Warriors juggle selections for Sharks Stevenson off to Japanese club Kubota Coll eases into third round British Open New Zealand were put behind by Mariana Speckmaier the former Phoenix player in the 41st minute. However the Ferns came back just prior to halftime thorugh Milly Clegg take a 1-1 scoreling into the break. Manaia Elliott then set up Jacqui Hand to put the Ferns ahead in the 73rd minute. Midfielder Katie Kitching the was given the captain's arm band towards the end of the match as Annalie Longo left the field. Kitching had missed a shot from the penalty box Football Ferns coach Michael Mayne was disappointed with his side's 3-1 loss to Venezuela on Sunday and thought some of the individual performances weren't up to scratch. "Obviously made a few changes based on that and I think the players that started the game got us on the front foot," said Mayne. "Our reaction over the last few days to come in, work a little bit harder, be a bit braver with the ball ...we controlled good periods of that game so I'm 100 percent pleased with the reaction."

Midway Beach, Gisborne, one of several options for the 2026 National Championships PHOTO: CORY SCOTT/SURFING NZ.. The most prestigious domestic surfing competition is set to return to one of New Zealand’s iconic surf regions, with the 2026 National Surfing Championships confirmed for Gisborne from January 11-17, 2026. This highly anticipated return to Gisborne marks the first time the Championships have been hosted in the region since 2018, reconnecting the nation’s top surfers and emerging talent with the powerful breaks and consistent summer swells of the East Coast. LATEST HEADLINES: Hurricanes lose hooker to injured Triple header for NZ MTB riders Paul Coll into British Open quarters Super Rugby playoffs teams ready Football Ferns score to beat Venezeula The Championships are a mobile event, meaning event organisers will chase the best waves across the region each day, ensuring optimal conditions for all divisions. From the world-class beach breaks of Midway Beach, Wainui Beach and Makorori to the more remote gems up and down the coast, participants and spectators alike can expect a week of high-performance surfing and classic Kiwi summer vibes. Dating back to 1963, the New Zealand National Surfing Championships is the longest-running and most prestigious domestic surfing event in the country. Originally held at Mount Maunganui, the event has journeyed the coastline from Kaitaia in the north to Dunedin in the south, showcasing Aotearoa's rich surf culture and coastal diversity. Over the decades, it has seen nation’s finest surfers. Legends of the sport have etched their names in history here, including Billy Stairmand, who broke the long-standing five-title tie between Wayne Parkes and Iain Buchanan in 2017. It has also provided the launchpad for many young stars on their journey to international success. The event now reflects the depth and diversity of the entire New Zealand surfing community, with 27 divisions catering to a wide range of competitors. These include: Premier Open Men’s and Women’s divisions Age group categories from Under 14 Boys and Girls through to Over 70s for both males and females Longboard, Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP), Bodyboard, Kneeboard, and Adaptive surfing disciplines Gisborne has long been regarded as one of the heartlands of New Zealand surfing. With its stunning coastline, consistent summer swells, and vibrant local community, the region provides the perfect setting for this pinnacle event.

Sammie Maxwell (Decathlon Ford) racing at Nove Mesto na Morave PHOTO: Fred Machabert-Decathlon Ford Kiwi mountain bikers converge on Austria’s iconic Leogang Bikepark for a UCI World Series triple-header comprising downhill, cross-country, and enduro competition this weekend. There are 39 kiwi riders entered for the first of two triple-header events this season, and the last of five consecutive weekends of UCI MTB World Series action. LATEST HEADLINES: Paul Coll into British Open quarters Super Rugby playoffs teams ready Football Ferns score to beat Venezeula Gary Stead steps down from Black Caps Jacobson re-signs with NZR, Chiefs Currently 11 New Zealand riders are among the top-10 on overall points and three in podium positions in the UCI Whoop World Series across the three disciplines. Sammie Maxwell (Decathlon Ford) leads the women’s cross-country points going into round four, and is fourth on the short track points table. Alexandra’s Cooper Millward (Yeti Development NZ) is second in the junior enduro ranks after two runner-up efforts, while the Specialized Gravity pair of Charlie Murray and Winni Godfrey are each seventh overall in their respective elite competition. It has been an exciting start for kiwi gravity riders where Hawkes Bay teenager Tyler Waite is currently second overall in the junior men, while fellow kiwis Jonty Williamson (Christchurch – Yeti Fox) is fifth and Oli Clark (Kaikoura – MS Racing) ninth overall. In the junior women’s ranks, Tauranga’s Eliana Hulsebosch (Santa Cruz Syndicate) is fourth and Rotorua’s Bellah Birchall (Team High Country) sixth, while there was an exciting top-10 for two-time world junior downhill medallist, Sacha Earnest in her rookie year as an elite. Leogang will provide a litmus test for gravity riders on the super-fast Speedster downhill track over 2.25kms and 500m of elevation change. It features seemingly never-ending hairpin bends including the famed wallrides, giving way to tight tree-lined section and jumps. The enduro course comprises a mix of flat-out bike park trails and alpine, super enduro, plus rough-and-ready stages with 15.9km of timed runs over six stages and 55kms of liaison including chairlifts, with overall climbs of 5200m and a high-point of 2100m. The cross-country course is a challenging mix of natural and man-made trails featuring technical sections, root-filled forests, exposed rocky mountainsides, and fast, thrilling downhill sections. It is a busy weekend with elite downhill qualifying on Friday from 10.30pm (NZ time) with junior qualifying at 12.15am (Saturday), followed by the second stage of elite qualifying at 1.30am – all NZ time. Action moves to short track cross-country from 1.45am Saturday through to the elite men at 4.10am (NZ time). Downhill titles will be decided from 10.30pm on Saturday for junior women followed by junior men from 11pm, elite women from midnight and elite men from 1am (Sunday) – again all NZ time. The enduro competition will be decided with start at 6pm NZ Time on Sunday through to 5am on Monday, before cross-country completes the action with under-23 women from 7pm Sunday, under-23 men from 9pm, elite women from 11pm and elite men from 1am Monday (NZ Time). The New Zealanders competing are: Downhill: Male, Elite: Nico Arnold (Wanaka), Angus Ferguson (Christchurch), Sam Gale (Nelson), James Macdermid (Hamilton), Toby Meek (Queenstown), Tuhoto-Ariki Pene (MS Racing, Rotorua), Lachie Stevens-McNab (Trek Factory, Rotorua), Luke Wayman (Continental Atherton, Christchurch). Female, Elite: Jess Blewitt (Cube Factory, Queenstown), Sacha Earnest (Trek Factory, Auckland), Jenna Hastings (Pivot Factory, Rotorua). Male, Junior: Seppy Binsbergen (New Plymouth), Malik Boatwright (High Road, Queenstown), Oli Clark (MS Racing, Kaikoura), Rory Meek (Queenstown), Sterling Stevens-McNab (Rotorua), Tyler Waite (Yeti Fox, Clive), Jonty Williamson (Yeti Fox, Palmerston North). Female, Junior: Bellah Birchall (High Country, Rotorua), Indy Deavoll, Kate Hastings (Rotorua), Eliana Hulsebosch (Santa Cruz Synd, Tauranga). Cross-country: Male elite: Anton Cooper (Lapierre Racing Unity, Christchurch), Sam Gaze (Alpecin-Deceuninck, Cambridge). Female, Elite: Sammie Maxwell (Decathlon Ford, Taupo). Male Under-23: Bailey Fredericksen (Mondraker NZ Academy, Whakatane), Coen Nicol (Taupo), Ethan Rose (Trek Future, Christchurch). Female, Under-23: Amelie Mackay (Christchurch). Enduro: Elite women: Winni Goldsbury (Specialized Gravity, Christchurch), George Swift (Yeti-Fox, Nelson). Elite men: Oliver Jenkins-Jablonski (Christchurch), Edward Masters (Pivot Factory, New Plymouth), Joe Millington (Yeti NZ Development, Rotorua), Charles Murray (Specialized Gravity, Wanaka), Lachie Ross (Upper Hutt), Matthew Walker (Pivot Factory, Kawerau). Junior men: Cooper Millward (Yeti Development NZ, Alexandra), Eli Robertson (Motueka), Marcus Sayers (Yeti Development NZ, Rotorua).

Paul Coll is into the quarters of the British Squash Open PHOTO: PSA SQUASH TOUR New Zealand's Paul Coll has moved a step closed to another British Open squash title with a sometimes dominate performanc in the third round. Coll beat Egyptian qualifier and world No 67 Mostafa Elsrty in three games, the girst with his accurate play coming out on top of Elsirty’s power-based approach to win 11-4. LATEST HEADLINES: Super Rugby playoffs teams ready Football Ferns score to beat Venezeula Gary Stead steps down from Black Caps Jacobson re-signs with NZR, Chiefs Warriors juggle selections for Sharks Elsirty was more patient in game two, alternating between power and soft touches as he kept pace with Coll. World No 3, Coll had just enough in the tank to clinch a 2-0 lead, with the 33-year-old scrambling well to come through a tie-break 12-10. Game three was a far more simple affair, with Coll in complete control as the World No.3 cruised through with an 11-3 win. Afterwards, Coll who won the tournament in 2021 and 22 was pleased to get past such a dangerous player “He’s a talented player with the racket. I’ve trained with him a few times so I knew the danger. He’s come through qualifying which is very impressive, to make it through to Round of 16. Congratulations to him on a great tournament.” In the quarterfinals Coll will face either Marwan ElShorbagy or Youssef Ibrahim.

Gary Stead seen here talking to Brendon McCullum is stepping down from the Black Caps coaching role PHOTO: LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY Black Caps head coach Gary Stead’s seven years in charge of the national side will officially conclude when his contract finishes at the end of this month. Stead, had confirmed he would step away as coach of the white-ball formats, was effectively ruled out of contention for the head coach role after NZC opted for one head coach across all three formats. LATEST HEADLINES: Jacobson re-signs with NZR, Chiefs Warriors juggle selections for Sharks Stevenson off to Japanese club Kubota Coll eases into third round British Open Four newbies get Black Caps contracts Widely considered New Zealand’s most successful national coach, Stead oversaw the inaugural ICC World Test Championship win in 2021, and an unprecedented three-nil Test series sweep of India on the sub-continent last year, alongside five out of six finals appearances in ICC white-ball World Cups. The Black Caps consistency was a hallmark of the Stead era, with the side rising to number one in the ICC Test and ODI rankings during his stint, as well as winning countless bi-lateral series and breaking new ground with series wins at home and away. Stead can also be credited with rejuvenating the team during his time in charge with the selections of stars such as Daryl Mitchell, Kyle Jamieson, Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra and Will O’Rourke. The 53-year-old said it had been a privilege to lead the team. “There’s been some amazing memories over the past seven years based around a group of fantastic and talented people who have gone out to give their best for their country, each other and for the fans,” he said. “Brendon McCullum and Mike Hesson had left the team with strong values and a style of play, and I’ve just tried to build and shape that further to grow our ability to be consistent in everything we do. “It’s been nice to be competitive across all three formats and I’d like to think that regardless of results, the opposition know the BLACKCAPS are a team that won’t fold and will always show the grit and determination to compete.” Stead cited the ICC World Test Championship victory and the three-nil sweep of India as highlights, alongside the way the team held themselves during and after the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup. “To work alongside some of New Zealand’s best cricketers and have had a ringside seat to every training and match has been very special and an absolute honour. “For a country with five million people and limited resources, we comparatively perform outstandingly well against the other powerhouses of the game. “I am grateful to all those that have helped and supported me during my time, especially to my wife Rachel and children Alex and Libby who have sacrificed much. “I also want to pay special thanks to NZC, and in particular all of the support staff I have worked with who are hands-on with the team and in the thick of things day-in and day-out. “I’d like to wish the new coach well and the team every success in the future. “I’ll initially take some time to refresh and recharge, but I still have the coaching bug and will look to explore opportunities at home and abroad where I can look to share what I’ve learned from my 30 years of professional sport as a player and coach.” Former captain Kane Williamson saluted Stead’s immense contribution to the Black Caps.. “Steady gave absolutely everything to the team,” Williamson said. “There was no one more hardworking and passionate about seeing the BLACKCAPS grow and succeed. “He was always thorough in his planning and preparation and will go down as one of our best coaches, but an even better bloke.” NZC chief executive Scott Weenink praised Stead’s transformative impact. Stead’s final few weeks in charge will see him at the winter camps helping players prepare for July’s tour to Zimbabwe. Black Caps achievements during Stead’s tenure, 2018 – 2025 Overall: Played: 268 | Won: 147 | Lost: 100 | Draw: 6 | Tied: 6 | NR: 9 Test: Played: 52 | Won: 27 | Lost: 19 | Draw: 6 ODI: Played: 97 | Won: 56 | Lost: 35 | Tied: 1 | NR: 5 T20I: Played: 119 | Won: 64 | Lost: 46 | Tied: 5 | NR: 4 2018 - First NZ Test series victory away to Pakistan since 1969 2019 - Runner-up on boundary countback in 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup in England and Wales 2021 - Inaugural ICC World Test Championship winners 2021 - Runner-up in ICC T20 World Cup in the UAE 2022 - First NZ white-ball series victories in West Indies 2022 - Semi-finalists in ICC T20 World Cup in Australia 2023 - Semi-finalists in ICC Cricket World Cup in India 2024 - First NZ Test series victory over South Africa 2025 - First team to clean-sweep India 3-0 in a Test series at home 2025 - Runner-up in ICC Champions Trophy ICC #1 ranked Test and ODI team at various times

Luke Jacobson is staying with the Chiefs and NZ Rugby for a couple more seasons PHOTO: DAVE LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY Chiefs Captain Luke Jacobson has re-signed with the franchise and New Zealand Rugby for another two years. A powerful loose forward and strong leader, Jacobson has become one of the most respected figures in New Zealand rugby for his consistent performances, quiet determination, and unwavering loyalty to the Chiefs jersey. LATEST HEADLINES: Warriors juggle selections for Sharks Stevenson off to Japanese club Kubota Coll eases into third round British Open Four newbies get Black Caps contracts Kiwi teens top-10 UCI MTB downhill Since making his debut in 2018 he has earned 88 caps for the club, becoming integral to their physical, disciplined style of play. His formidable performance saw him debut for the All Blacks in 2019, earning 23 appearances in the black jersey. Currently in his second year as captain, Jacobson has guided the Gallagher Chiefs through back-to-back finals campaigns and is excited about what the team can achieve together in the coming years. “I’m excited about where this team has gotten to and I’m hungry to turn that into some championship success.” “It’s not just the results that keep you around – it’s the environment and the team culture. Between the coaches, management, and the players, there’s a good group of people here and they make it pretty hard to leave.” “I really enjoy my rugby here. I’m able to grow my game and grow my leadership. I grew up supporting this team and after playing with them for 8 years, it’s a team that continues to really align with my values.” “I’d love to play 100 games for the Chiefs, it would be a huge milestone for me and one I would be really proud to achieve.” Head Coach Clayton McMillan commented that Jacobson’s leadership has been key in shaping the character of the team. “He leads with integrity humility, and total commitment to the jersey and that’s respected by everyone. His decision to re-sign speaks volumes about the culture we’ve built and the direction we’re heading.” Jacobson’s re-signing adds to a growing list of retained talent for the Gallagher Chiefs, who continue to invest in both experience and youth as they pursue long-term success on and off the field.

Warriors coach Andrew Webster has had to juggle his team with key players out injured PHOTO: nrl Rocco Berry has joined co-captain Mitch Barnett on the sidelines for their away Round 14 game against Cronulla Sharks on Satuday evening. After having a fully fit squad to choose from last week - the first time since 2023 - coach Andrew Webster has had to juggle his line-up again. LATEST HEADLINES: Stevenson off to Japanese club Kubota Coll eases into third round British Open Four newbies get Black Caps contracts Kiwi teens top-10 UCI MTB downhill Magic score first win netball Premiership Barnett ruled out for the season with a ruptured ACL in his right knee and Berry hampered by a hamstring twinge that forced him from the field against South Sydney Rabbitohs on Sunday. Berry has struggled to stay on the park for the Warriors after missing the start of the season with a shoulder injury, withdrawing from his scheduled return against Wests Tigers with hamstring trouble, picking up a suspension in his eventual return against Melbourne Storm and then missing three more games with his dodgy hammy. He has managed just four appearances so far this campaign. Webster has addressed Berry's absence by shifting versatile second-rower Kurt Capewell into the midfield, but also has specialist centre Ali Leiataua on an extended bench. Teenage sensation Leka Halasima has moved into the starting pack, where he has lined up in six of his 12 appearances this season. Without Barnett, Jackson Ford has been promoted from the bench to start in the front row. Warriors : 1 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3 Adam Pompey, 4 Kurt Capewell, 5 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 6 Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7 Luke Metcalf, 8 James Fisher-Harris, 9 Wayde Egan, 10 Jackson Ford, 11 Leka Halasima, 12 Marata Niukore, 13 Erin Clark Interchange: 14 Te Maire Martin, 15 Jacob Laban, 16 Demitric Vaimauga, 17 Tanner Stowers-Smith Reserves: 18 Tom Alex, 20 Sam Healey, 21 Tanah Boyd, 22 Ali Leiataua, 23 Taine Tuaupiki