Search Results

The Supercars Chamionship is spreading its wing with Taupo and Christrchurch in 2026 PHOTO: SUPERCARS SUPPLIED Supercars has confirmed it will race in Christchurch for the first time in 2026, with Ruapuna Raceway named as the newest venue for the Championship in a landmark move for New Zealand motorsport. The club-run circuit, located 15km west of Christchurch city, will become the first South Island host in the championship’s history. LATEST HEADLINES: Three debutants in Black Sticks Indian Panthers NBL withdrawal Four to debut for Black Fersn v USA Five players return to NZ All Whites Swimmers qualify for World Champs The addition creates a New Zealand double-header, with events confirmed for both Taupō and Christchurch through to 2028. Supercars said the announcement highlighted a growing commitment to Kiwi fans and reinforced the country’s significance to the series, which has attracted more than 2.3 million spectators since first racing here in 2001. Supercars CEO Shane Howard credited the support of the New Zealand Government, ChristchurchNZ, Christchurch City Council, and the Canterbury Car Club for enabling the expansion. “Christchurch is a motorsport city, and Ruapuna is a circuit with huge potential,” Howard said. The Ruapuna upgrade will be funded in part by a nearly $1 million contribution already raised by the Canterbury Car Club, and will include resurfacing, improved sustainability features and a new supporters’ lounge. New Zealand Tourism Minister Louise Upston called the investment “an important showcase opportunity” for the country, while Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger hailed it as “a massive win” for the city’s economy and events calendar. Taupō will continue to host Supercars events until at least the end of 2028, following the success of the 2024 and 2025 races. Kiwi Matt Payne dominated the 2025 Taupo Supercars to the delight of the large crowds. The full event name, support categories, and ticketing for the 2026 Ruapuna event will be announced later.

Mitch Drummond clears the ball for the Crusaders. He plays his 150th Super Rugby game this weekend PHOTO: CRAIG BUTLAND/LINTOTT PHOGOGRAPHY A change for the Crusaders with Mitch Drummond starting for the first time this season in what is his 150th Super Rugby game as they face the Highlanders. The veteran may have been overtaken in the key spot for his franchise but still adds great service for the side. LATEST HEADLINES: Winning start for Kiwi doubles player Holmes NZ Women's U-20 head coach Warriors missing co-captains for Raiders NZ U20 football team named to face Chile Steven Alker four Champions Tour major Noah Hotham is on a rest with Kyle Preston on the bench as halfback as Scott Barrett returns to team up with Jamie Hannah at lock. The Crusaders are still in with a chance to take top spot on the ladder depending on the Chiefs result against Moana Pasifika. The Brumbies actually lead with 43 points, two ahead of the Chiefs and Crusaders but have played an exta game. Meanwhile the Highlanders have only a very mathmatical chance to make the playoffs and have a same-same look, although Oliver Haig and Jona Nareki are out, replaced in the starting lineup by Tai Cribb and Taniela Filimone. The Hurricanes once again have injury issues with Brayden Iose ruled out for the season, however Devan Flanders has recovered from injury. Daniel Sinkinson gets his first start of the season opposite Fatafehi Fineanganofo, Bailyn Sullivan is on the bench, while Riley Higgins has missed the trip to Brisbane and is replaced by Peter Umaga-Jensen at second five. All four Hurricanes co-captains will start this game. Moana Pasifika have one chance for their game against the Chiefs with William Havili out. and Tevita Ofa takes taking over at fullback and Solomon Alaimalo comes onto the wing, with Julian Savea and Jackson Garden-Bachop covering the backs. The Chiefs also have only made one change as Samisoni Taukei'aho is in to start at hooker, in a direct swap with Brodie McAlister. Crusaders v Highlanders, 7:05pm Friday 23 May, Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch Crusaders : 1. Tamaiti Williams, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Kershawl Sykes-Martin, 4. Scott Barrett, 5. Jamie Hannah, 6. Cullen Grace, 7. Tom Christie, 8. Christian Lio-Willie, 9. Mitch Drummond, 10. Rivez Reihana, 11. Macca Springer, 12. David Havili (c), 13. Braydon Ennor, 14. Sevu Reece, 15. Johnny McNicholl Bench: 16. George Bell, 17. George Bower, 18. Seb Calder, 19. Quinten Strange, 20. Corey Kellow, 21. Kyle Preston, 22. James O'Connor, 23. Dallas McLeod Highlanders: 1. Ethan de Groot (cc), 2. Jack Taylor, 3. Saula Ma'u, 4. Mitch Dunshea, 5. Fabian Holland, 6. Te Kamaka Howden, 7. Veveni Lasaqa, 8. Sean Withy, 9. Folau Fakatava, 10. Taine Robinson, 11. Taniela Filimone, 12. Timoci Tavatavanawai (cc), 13. Tanielu Tele'a, 14. Jonah Lowe, 15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens Bench: 16. Soane Vikena, 17. Josh Bartlett, 18. Sosefo Kautai, 19. Tai Cribb, 20. Will Stodart, 21. Adam Lennox, 22. Cam Millar, 23. Thomas Umaga-Jensen Reds v Hurricanes 9:35pm Friday 23 May, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane Hurricanes: 1. Xavier Numia, 2. Asafo Aumua (cc), 3. Tyrel Lomax, 4. Zach Gallagher, 5. Isaia Walker-Leawere, 6. Brad Shields (cc), 7. Du'Plessis Kirifi (cc), 8. Peter Lakai, 9. Cam Roigard, 10. Ruben Love, 11. Fatafehi Fineanganofo, 12. Peter Umaga-Jensen, 13. Billy Proctor (cc), 14. Daniel Sinkinson, 15. Callum Harkin Bench: 16. Raymond Tuputupu, 17. Tevita Mafileo/Pouri Rakete-Stones, 18. Pasilio Tosi, 19. Hugo Plummer, 20. Devan Flanders, 21. Ereatara Enari, 22. Brett Cameron, 23. Bailyn Sullivan Chiefs v Moana Pasifika, 7:05pm Saturday 24 May, FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton Chiefs : 1. Ollie Norris, 2. Samisoni Taukei'aho, 3. George Dyer, 4. Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 5. Tupou Vaa'i, 6. Simon Parker, 7. Luke Jacobson (c), 8. Wallace Sititi, 9. Cortez Ratima, 10. Damian McKenzie, 11. Leroy Carter, 12. Quinn Tupaea, 13. Daniel Rona, 14. Emoni Narawa, 15. Shaun Stevenson Bench: 16. Brodie McAlister, 17. Aidan Ross, 18. Reuben O'Neill, 19. Josh Lord, 20. Samipeni Finau, 21. Xavier Roe, 22. Josh Jacomb, 23. Gideon Wrampling Moana Pasifika : 1. Tito Tuipulotu, 2. Millennium Sanerivi, 3. Feleti Sae-Ta'ufo'ou, 4. Tom Savage, 5. Samuel Slade, 6. Miracle Faiilagi, 7. Ardie Savea (c), 8. Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, 9. Jonathan Taumateine, 10. Patrick Pellegrini, 11. Solomon Alaimalo, 12. Danny Toala, 13. Lalomilo Lalomilo, 14. Kyren Taumoefolau, 15. Tevita Ofa Bench: 16. Samiuela Moli, 17. Abraham Pole, 18. Chris Apoua, 19. Allan Craig, 20. Sione Havili Talitui, 21. Melani Matavao, 22. Julian Savea, 23. Jackson Garden-Bachop Blues, Drua, Brumbies - bye

Former Wellington Phoenix Women's coach Callum Holmes is the nex NZ U-20 coach. PHOTO: DAVE LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY Callum Holmes has been appointed New Zealand women’s U-20 head coach to lead the team for the next FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup cycle. Holmes, who formerly was assistant coach of the Wellington Phoenix A-League Women side for two seasons from 2022 - 2024, takes on the role with immediate effect. LATEST HEADLINES: Warriors missing co-captains for Raiders NZ U20 football team named to face Chile Steven Alker four Champions Tour major Sititi two more years at Chiefs, NZ Rugby Steel dominate Magic wrap up round 2 Prior to his time with the Nix, Holmes held a number of football and futsal development roles with Capital Football, as well as being an academy coach with English Football League side Sunderland AFC. Holmes will split the role with his current position as Women’s Development Lead at Wellington Phoenix. His first task will be selecting a squad for the OFC U-19 Women’s Championship, kicking off this September, where Aotearoa New Zealand has been drawn in Group B alongside New Caledonia, hosts Tahiti, and Vanuatu. Should the team reach the final at the tournament they will secure a place at the next FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, set to be played in Poland in September 2026. Keir Hansen, GM High Performance at New Zealand Football, said: "We are pleased to welcome Callum to New Zealand Football in an important role for the game in Aotearoa. "The game continues to grow rapidly so it is really important that we have an aligned and robust development system to nurture the best talent. "Callum has held a number of development and coaching roles, including in the women’s professional game, so is perfectly placed to take on this position and we look forward to him getting started." Callum Holmes, New Zealand Women’s U-20 Head Coach, said: "I’m delighted to take on this role and get to work with this exciting group of players. "Having the ability to get around the country and see as many players as possible is a priority as we progress towards the qualifiers in September. "This is a really exciting time for football in Aotearoa New Zealand so I can’t wait to get going."

Stipe Ukich (centre) for the NZ U17 side has been named in the NZ U20 team to play Chile PHOTO: PHOTOTEK The New Zealand men’s U-20 team set to face FIFA U-20 World Cup 2025 hosts Chile in the Santiago Metropolitan Region next month has been named with a wide range of players in the squad. Head coach Chris Greenacre has selected a 21-player squad, featuring 12 players based in Aotearoa New Zealand and nine playing overseas in Australia, Croatia, England, and the United States. LATEST HEADLINES: Steven Alker four Champions Tour major Sititi two more years at Chiefs, NZ Rugby Steel dominate Magic wrap up round 2 Alker lurks at delayed senior golf major Scott Dixon qualifies fourth at Indy 500 “Ahead of the FIFA U-20 World Cup this year, time together is really important, so it is great to assemble this group and test ourselves against the World Cup hosts, in the host country. “Getting games against non-OFC sides to prepare for what we will come up against in September is significant, and Chile play a style of football that will be a good challenge for us. “This is a really exciting squad, some of which played big roles for us in the FIFA U-20 World Cup qualifiers and some of which are new to the group or this level, so I can’t wait to get into camp and get to work," said Greenacre. At 16, Luke Brooke-Smith is the youngest player selected after a breakout season at club level, joining seven Wellington Phoenix players selected. Auckland FC are also well represented with five players named after the team’s debut A-League Men season. Four players - Harry Casci, James Mitchell, Troy Putt, and Jayden Smith - have been called up to represent New Zealand for the first time. The men’s U-20 team will face Chile over two games in the Santiago Metropolitan Region, Chile. The first match will be played on Thursday 5 June NZT (Wednesday 4 June local time) at Complejo Deportivo Quilín. The second match will take place on Sunday  8 June NZT (Saturday 7 June local time) at Estadio Bicentenario de La Florida The full squad is: Luke Brooke-Smith - Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand James Bulkeley - FC Dallas, USA Harry Casci - Western United, Australia Adama Coulibaly - Auckland FC, New Zealand Luka Coveny - Western United, Australia Noah DuPont - West Bromwich Albion, England Fergus Gillion - Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand Henry Gray - Ipswich Town, England Keegan Kelly - University of Denver, USA Lukas Kelly-Heald - Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand Xuan Loke - Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand Finn McKenlay - Auckland FC, New Zealand Oliver Middleton - Auckland FC, New Zealand James Mitchell - Auckland FC, New Zealand Codey Phoenix - Auckland FC, New Zealand Troy Putt - Minnesota United, USA Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues - Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand Jayden Smith - Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand Luke Supyk - Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand Stipe Ukich - NK Istra 1961, Croatia Joseph Wallis - West Bromwich Albion, England

Both James Fisher-Harris and Mitchell Barnett (pictured) will be missing from the Warriors to face the Raiders PHOTO: NRL The Warriors will be without co-captain James Fisher-Harris for the round 12 NRL game against the Canberra Raiders at Mt Smart. The prop has been handed a one-match ban for a careless high tackle. LATEST HEADLINES: NZ U20 football team named to face Chile Steven Alker four Champions Tour major Sititi two more years at Chiefs, NZ Rugby Steel dominate Magic wrap up round 2 Alker lurks at delayed senior golf major He caught Dolphins front-rower Harrison Graham high in the 77th minute at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday and was sent to the bin. Fisher-Harris had only just returned from injury, which had kept him out of the team for a month. Had he chosen to fight the charge at the judiciary and been found guilty, he would have missed two games. The Warriors will also be without co-captain Mitch Barnett, who has joined the New South Wales team in camp for next week's State of Origin opener. The in-fom Kurt Capewell takes over as skipper while Bunty Afoa and Jackson Ford are in the starting side. The Warriors are second on the NRL ladder the Raiders are third. . Warriors: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Adam Pompey, 4. Kurt Capewell (c), 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7. Luke Metcalf, 8. Jackson Ford, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Bunty Afoa, 11. Leka Halasima, 12. Marata Niukore, 13. Erin Clark Interchange (from): 14. Te Maire Martin, 15. Jacob Laban, 16. Demetric Vaimauga, 17. Tanner Stowers-Smith, 18. Tom Ale, 20. Sam Healey, 21. Tanah Boyd, 22. Ali Leiataua, 23. Taine Tuaupiki

A high-five for Erin Routliffe (right) and Gaby Dabrowski into the semis at Strasbourg WTA PHOTO: WTA TOUR New Zealand's Erin Routliffe and Canadian Gaby Dabrowski are through to the semifinals in Strasbourg, France, with a 6-4 2-6 10-8 win over Spaniard Cristina Bucsa and China’s Xu Yifan. It was the first time this year that Routliffe and Dabrowski have won a match despite winning fewer points than their opponents. LATEST HEADLINES: Holmes NZ Women's U-20 head coach Warriors missing co-captains for Raiders NZ U20 football team named to face Chile Steven Alker four Champions Tour major Sititi two more years at Chiefs, NZ Rugby It was mainly down to the second set, where they dropped two service games and weren’t able to get a break against Bucsa and Xu. But the tournament’s top seeds managed to take out the third set super tiebreak 10-8 as they build up for the French Open.. In the semifinals, Routliffe and Dabrowski will play against Timea Babos from Hungary and Brazil’s Luisa Stefani, who had a walkover in their quarterfinal match. In the fisrt round they defeated the Chinese duo of Wang Xin Yu and Zheng Saisai 6-2 6-2 in 64 minutes. Routliffe is currentl ranked third on the WTA rankings while Dabrowski is fifth. Meanwhile, Michael Venus and Nikola Mektic lost their first round match 6-3 6-3 against Sander Arends and Luke Johnson at the ATP 500 tournament in Hamburg, Germany.

Sammie Maxwell looking for success in MTB cross country in Europe PHOTO:: noam.meresse The UCI Mountain Bike World Series hosts the first cross-country competition in Europe for 2025 at the famed course in Nové Mĕsto na Moravé, the quaint mountain sports resort in the Czech Republic. After a double round in the steamy climes of Brazil, the XCO competition heads back to Europe with cool conditions and some rain forecast. LATEST HEADLINES: Auckland Squash Open underway Super Rugby round 12 teams named Winning start for Kiwi doubles player Holmes NZ Women's U-20 head coach Warriors missing co-captains for Raiders It also begins six rounds in Europe, followed by two in North America, with a New Zealand rider at the top of the world cup rankings. After her win in the opening round and podium in the second stop in Brazil, Sammie Maxwell is at the top of the series points, although the Decathlon Ford professional is not putting too much pressure of expectations on her young shoulders. “Coming into that first World Cup in Brazil if I was told I would win it, I would not have believed them. To get your biggest dream in the first world cup race was pretty incredible,” said Maxwell. “I want to keep my No 1 plate at Nove Mesto,” said the Decathlon Ford professional. “I want to win but if not, then I have faith in my ability to kind of look at what is happening and with the team to support me, that we can get back to the top eventually.” Maxwell, eighth in her Olympic debut in Paris, had a recent shakedown in a Shimano Super Cup series race in Spain. “I felt I had good legs in Spain so I did an extra lap to simulate more of a World Cup race. I had some good feelings on the bike – I was composed and hit my lines.” Maxwell will be joined by fellow kiwi pro riders, Sam Gaze and Anton Cooper in the elite field. Gaze, sixth in the Paris Olympics, is not placing too much expectation in his mountain bike season debut after his early months this year on the road with his Alpecin- Deceuninck pro team and then sidelined with illness. “I’ve had a slower start after falling ill following the Tirreno Adriatico World Tour road race and as a result I could not return to the level needed to race in the Classics,” said Gaze. “It has been a slow recovery physically and to also mentally refresh. I’ve had a stable build up and I can take confidence into my first World Cup of the season. “Realistically I would like a nice result but the primary goal is to produce a performance pressure-free and leaving the weekend with some momentum behind me.” He is joined by Cooper, who is making a long awaited European return to the world series after illness sidelined him for much of 2024. Now with the much-vaunted Lapierre Racing United pro team, Cooper had two mid-field finishes in Brazil after starting near the back of the field, with limited ranking points after his significant time out last year. Cooper is looking to consistently move up the rankings, and accordingly improve his start position, which is a vital ingredient to establish a competitive race. “I would like to think I can push up into the top 20 this weekend,” he said of a course which has been one of his favourites, finishing second in 2017, seventh in 2020 and eighth in 2021. Christchurch rider Ethan Rose returns to the under- 23 elite competition for his Trek Future professional team, joined by two strong prospects in Whakatane’s Bailey Fredericksen and Taupo’s Coen Nicol, who are both supported by the Mondraker NZ Academy. Also returning is Amélie Mackay (Christchurch) who will compete in the women’s under-23 competition, with the national champion earning a top-10 finish in a Swiss Cup race in her build-up. The short-track races are on Saturday from 8pm NZT, and cross-country races on Sunday with the elite women from 8pm (NZT) though to under-23 men from 2am Monday (NZT).

Erika Fairweather qualifies for the FINA World Championship PHOTO: SWIMMING NZ Olympians Erika Fairweather, Eve Thomas and Caitlin Deans have all recorded World Championship qualifying times in an impressive 800m Freestyle final on the opening day of the New Zealand Swimming Championships in Auckland. Fairweather highlighted the form which saw her reach four Olympic finals last year. LATEST HEADLINES: Maxwell top seed at MTB World Series Auckland Squash Open underway Super Rugby round 12 teams named Winning start for Kiwi doubles player Holmes NZ Women's U-20 head coach The 21-year-old led the race from start to finish, recording a time of 8:21.67s to go well under the World Champs qualification time of 8:34.62s. Fairweather snuck ahead of Deans for second place with a of 8:29.32, just over half a second ahead of Thomas. North Shore's Louis Clark won the men's 1500m Freestyle in a time that qualified him for the 3-kilometre knockout Open Water event at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore in July. Another athlete to punch his ticket to a world event was 18-year-old Igor Russanov who qualified for the World Junior Champs with his fifth place finish in the 50m Freestyle final. Sixteen-year-old Ariel Muchirahondo continued his fine run of form, picking up the first long course open national title of his career, storming home to win the men's 400m Individual Medley. In the multi class events Viking Swim Club's Gaby Smith took out the women's 100m Breaststroke final. The SB9 swimmer went under the World Para Swimming Championships qualification time. In the men's 100m Breaststroke Joshua Willmer finished third to break his SB8 New Zealand record twice in one day and go under the World Championships qualification time. In the women's 50m Freestyle Chelsey Edwards added another national title to her name, while Zoe Pedersen finished third setting a New Zealand 18-years record and going under the World Junior Championships qualification time. Olympian Hazel Ouwehand retained her national title in the women's 100m Butterfly.

Finn Surnan has treturned to the NZ All Whites squad PHOTO: PORTLAND TIMBERS The All Whites squad to face Côte d'Ivoire and Ukraine in the Canadian Shield Tournament in Toronto, Canada, next month has been named. Head coach Darren Bazeley has selected 23 players with five changes to the squad assembled for the FIFA World Cup Oceania Qualifiers in March, a campaign which saw the All Whites defeat New Caledonia to secure a place at the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Canada, Mexico, and the USA. Cote d'Ivoire are ranked 41st and Ukraine 29th in the world. LATEST HEADLINES: Swimmers qualify for World Champs Maxwell top seed at MTB World Series Auckland Squash Open underway Super Rugby round 12 teams named Winning start for Kiwi doubles player With only five international windows before he is set to name his FIFA World Cup 2026 squad, Bazeley will be looking to give opportunities to a range of players to prove they deserve a place at the tournament next year. AS Saint-Étienne attacker Ben Old returns having recovered from injury. Portland Timbers defender Finn Surman is back after it was agreed between the club and All Whites coaching staff he would miss the previous international window. There are also recalls for Auckland FC defender Callan Elliot, Charlotte FC defender Bill Tuiloma, and Northampton Town goalkeeper Nik Tzanev. Wellington Phoenix defender Tim Payne will miss the international window, with his partner due to give birth close to this period. “Qualifying for the FIFA World Cup was a massive moment, but we know that is just a step on the journey for what we want to achieve as a team” says All Whites head coach Darren Bazeley. “We have been lucky to play a number of home games over the last few windows, but it has always been the plan that heading into the FIFA World Cup next year we need to test ourselves, playing away, against a range of teams we could face in 2026. “To face two top 50 sides, in a tournament situation, in one of the FIFA World Cup 2026 host venues, is the perfect challenge for us. “We have made a few changes to the squad from March which gives us the opportunity to look at some different players in the environment. “We want real competition for places heading into the World Cup and the door is open for everyone to stake their claim to be part of the squad in 2026.” The All Whites will face Côte d'Ivoire on Sunday 8 June at 11am NZT (Saturday 7 June at 7pm local time) followed by Ukraine on Wednesday 11 June at 9am NZT (Tuesday 10 June at 5pm local time). Both games will take place at BMO Field in Toronto which will also host games during the FIFA World Cup 2026. The tournament will award three points for a win, one point for a draw, and two points for a shootout win. All matches will have a winner and games will go directly to penalties after 90 minutes (plus injury time). The full squad is: Kosta Barbarouses (67 caps/9 goals) Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand Joe Bell (24/1) Viking FK, Norway Tyler Bindon (15/3) Reading FC, England (on loan from Nottingham Forest) Michael Boxall (55/1) Minnesota United, USA Liberato Cacace (33/1) Empoli FC, Italy Max Crocombe (15/0) Burton Albion, England Callan Elliot (3/0) Auckland FC, New Zealand Matt Garbett (30/5) NAC Breda, Netherlands Eli Just (34/7) SKN St. Pölten, Austria (on loan from Horsens) Callum McCowatt (23/4) Silkeborg IF, Denmark Ben Old (12/1) AS Saint-Étienne, France Alex Paulsen (3/0) Auckland FC, New Zealand (on loan from AFC Bournemouth) Nando Pijnaker (23/0) Auckland FC, New Zealand Alex Rufer (19/0) Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand Sarpreet Singh (18/3) U.D. Leiria, Portugal Tommy Smith (56/2) Auckland FC, New Zealand Marko Stamenić (29/2) Olympiacos, Greece (on loan from Nottingham Forest) Finn Surman (7/1) Portland Timbers, USA Bill Tuiloma (42/4) Charlotte FC, USA Nik Tzanev (2/0) Northampton Town, England Francis de Vries (10/1) Auckland FC, New Zealand Ben Waine (23/8) Mansfield Town, England (on loan from Plymouth Argyle) Chris Wood (82/44) Nottingham Forest, England

Jorja Miller will make her debut for the Black Ferns XV's against the United States PHOTO: WORLD SVNS Four players will make their Black Ferns debuts as New Zealand faces the United States in their last Pacific Four (PAC4) game. Olympic gold medal winning sevens players Jorja Miller and Risaleaana Pouri-Lane will start at openside flanker and half-back respectively in Saturday's clash at North Harbour Stadium. LATEST HEADLINES: Five players return to NZ All Whites Swimmers qualify for World Champs Maxwell top seed at MTB World Series Auckland Squash Open underway Super Rugby round 12 teams named Chiefs Manawa front rowers Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu and Vici-Rose Green are the other two debutantes, with Mahutariki-Fakalelu starting and Green on the bench. There are eight changes to the starting XV from the side that drew with Canada last weekend. In the front row, prop Mahutariki-Fakalelu will start alongside Kate Henwood and hooker Georgia Ponsonby who celebrates her 30th Test milestone. Miller, Liana Mikaele-Tu'u and Kaipo Olsen-Baker form the loose-forward trio. Theresa Setefano and Stacey Waaka combine in the midfield for their first test since starring in the Rugby World Cup Final in 2022, while there is an all-Blues back three of Katelyn Vahaakolo, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe and Braxton Sorensen-McGee. Black Ferns director of performance Allan Bunting said he was excited to provide them with the opportunity. "We are delighted to see our four players get a chance to don this black jersey for the first time. This is going to be a special moment for them to play in front of their whānau and friends. Veisinia and Vici-Rose have been with us since our first training camp. They have worked hard and done the learning, while showing their commitment to the team by helping them prepare for the last two Tests. It's now their time. "Jorja and Risaleaana, who joined us last week following their successful sevens World Series campaign, have slotted in seamlessly. They are great humans and diligent athletes, we look forward to watching them do their thing this weekend." The Black Ferns currently lead the PAC4 standings on points difference from Canada. Canada play Australia in the other game this weekend. Black Ferns line-up 1. Kate Henwood 2. Georgia Ponsonby 3. Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu 4. Alana Bremner 5. Maiakawanakaulani Roos 6. Liana Mikaele-Tu'u 7. Jorja Miller 8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker 9. Risaleaana Pouri-Lane 10. Ruahei Demant (cc) 11. Katelyn Vahaakolo 12. Theresa Setefano 13. Stacey Waaka 14. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe 15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee Bench: 16. Vici-Rose Green 17. Awhina Tangen-Wainohu 18. Tanya Kalounivale 19. Chelsea Bremner 20. Kennedy Tukuafu (cc) 21. Maia Joseph 22. Hannah King 23. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai'i/Sylvia Brunt

An official withdrawal for the Indian Panthers from the NBL. PHOTO: DAVE LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY The Indian Panthers have been ousted from the National Basketball League (NBL), acknowledging that they are not in a position to meet the requirements of the League to complete the season for a variety of reasons. The NBL put out the following statement, explaining how an agreement had been met between the two parties. LATEST HEADLINES: Four to debut for Black Ferns vs USA Five players return to NZ All Whites Swimmers qualify for World Champs Maxwell top seed at MTB World Series Auckland Squash Open underway "The Commission of the Sal’s NBL met and resolved to accept the Panthers’ withdrawal subject to finalisation of an agreement regarding the Panthers honouring outstanding obligations. "These obligations include payments to creditors, including players and staff, as well as compensation to the League, consequently, the Panthers will no longer compete in the competition, effective immediately. "The Panthers have co-operated with League management during an ongoing investigation that was launched in late April and have accepted responsibility for falling short on delivering the vision and outcomes that were originally presented to the League when being awarded the license last September. "The Panthers accept that they have not delivered what they set out to achieve and apologised to their supporters and fans and all those involved in the League. "As a result of the Panthers withdrawal, the NBL Commission has advised the 2025 season will now be completed with 11 teams, and all results from the nine games played by the Panthers in the Sal’s NBL and Sky Broadband Rapid League will be removed entirely. "The Commission resolved that the integrity and equitable balance of the Sal’s NBL required the removal of all results as the fairest outcome to all remaining participants. "With regards to the League’s now-vacant 12th license, the Commission noted that management has been contacted over the past fortnight from three interested potential owners. However, no decisions will be made until a review of the 2025 Sal’s NBL has been completed." The Indian Panthers issued the following statement: "When we embarked on the Panthers project, our shared vision was to provide Indian players with a platform to develop and showcase their talents on a respected and historically significant stage. That vision remains unchanged. However, the journey has presented unforeseen challenges. "While some obstacles were within our control, others were not. In hindsight, fielding a team abroad for five months has proven more complex than anticipated, and we do not foresee a resolution in the immediate future. Therefore, we have proposed withdrawing from the current season and discontinuing our remaining games. "Looking ahead, we remain committed to our original vision and are eager to explore opportunities for collaboration in future seasons. We believe that, with the right adjustments and planning, we can overcome the current challenges and achieve our shared goals. We deeply regret the situation and assure you that this outcome was never our intention." Sal’s NBL Commission chair Tracey Garland issued the following statement: "While this is an unfortunate outcome to what was a very exciting vision to expand our basketball competition across New Zealand and the Asian region, the Panthers did not deliver what they had promised, for which they have taken responsibility."

Louis Beckert is one of three newbies in the Black Sticks Men's team PHOTO: ALPINERS The Black Sticks Men's hockey squad has been named to compete at the 2025 FIH Nations Cup in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia next month. The team returns to the tournament after a gold medal performance in 2024, with a fresh opportunity to build on that momentum and once again push for top honours in Malaysia. LATEST HEADLINES: Indian Panthers NBL withdrawal Four to debut for Black Fersn v USA Five players return to NZ All Whites Swimmers qualify for World Champs Maxwell top seed at MTB World Series Head Coach Greg Nicol has named a squad that blends international experience with young talent, including three debutants: 24-year-old Louis Beckert and Gus Nelson, 19, both from Canterbury and Otago's Finn Ward. Their inclusion reflects the depth and development coming through the New Zealand hockey pathway. “This is a great opportunity to expose new talent to international tournament hockey,” said Nicol. “Our focus is to keep building on last year’s performance, playing a bold style of hockey and continuing to grow as a group.” Dylan Thomas and Patrick Ward will also travel with the team as reserves. The last time the New Zealnd side played a test match was at the Paris Olympics in August 2024. This tournament is an opportunity to prepare for Oceania Cup later this year. The Black Sticks Men’s squad for the 2025 FIH Nations Cup: Louise Beckert, Dom Dixon, Scott Cosslett, Benji Culhane, Charlie Morrison, Brad Read, Simon Yorston, Malachi Buschhl, Sean Findlay, Gus Nelson, Hayden Phillips, Nic Woods, Finn Ward, George Baker, Scott Boyde, Jonty Elmes, Sam Hiha, Sam Lane, Dylan Thomas (TR), Patrick Ward (TR) Match timetable: Sunday 15 June 10.00pm NZT vs Japan Tuesday 17 June 12.00am NZT vs Malaysia Wednesday 18 June 10.00pm NZT vs Pakistan Friday 20 June TBC – Semi Finals Saturday 21 June TBC - Finals