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Part of the long-trail track at Canfranc for the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships PHOTO: WMTRC2025 A team of 31 New Zealand athletes will represent New Zealand at the 2025 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships, in Canfranc-Pirineos, Spain September 4–28.. The team comprises 11 mountain runners—including athletes selected for the Uphill and U20 events—and 20 trail runners who will contest the Long and Short Trail races. LATEST HEADLINES: Tall Blacks, Tall Ferns fall in Adelaide McKenzie back for Super Rugby clash Powell ready to defend Badminton title Tosi, Darry staying with NZ Rugby Black Ferns XV to play Boks women This year’s event will be held in the picturesque town of Canfranc, nestled in the Aragonese Pyrenees near the French border. Canfranc event, the town brings a rich legacy of mountain sport to the championships. Over 1,700 athletes from nearly 80 countries are expected to compete across five disciplines: Uphill, Classic, and U20 mountain races, and Short and Long Trail events. Known for its steep ascents, varied terrain, and dramatic alpine backdrops, the courses in Canfranc are both stunning and unforgiving. Athletes will traverse everything from rocky ridgelines and technical singletrack to pastures and forest paths, offering not just a physical challenge, but an unforgettable experience. Technical sections will require strategy and precision, with elevation playing a key role across all events. Eleven of the selected athletes have previously competed at World Championships in Argentina, Thailand, or Austria, bringing valuable international experience to the team. Each runner earned their place through consistent performances across domestic and international events, and now set their sights on one of the toughest and most prestigious endurance events in the sport. We wish the full team all the best as they prepare for the challenges of Canfranc-Pirineos 2025. 2025 New Zealand World Mountain and Trail Running Team Mountain Running – Uphill Senior Women: Maia Flint (Victoria University, Coach: James Kuegler) Jessie Speedy (North Harbour Bays, Coach: Paul Hamblyn) Sarah Douglas (Queenstown Athletics Club, Coach: Jono Wyatt) Grace McConnochie (Gisborne Harrier Club, Coach: David Roche) Senior Men: Michael Sutton (Athletics Tauranga, Coach: John Bowden) Toby Batchelor (Pakuranga Athletic Club, Coach: Lindsay Dey) Dougal Shepherd (Athletics Nelson, Self-Coached) Eric Speakman (Victoria University, Coach: Craig Kirkwood) Mountain Running – U20 Junior Women: Bronwen Rees-Jones (Cambridge Club, Coach: Steve Rees-Jones) Junior Men: Max Doherty (Olympic Harriers, Coach: John Cope) Lucus Huia (Hill City-University Club, Coach: Shaun Cantwell) Trail Running – Short Trail Senior Women: Katie Morgan (Queenstown Athletics, Coach: Martin Cox) Charlotte Hand (Whippets Running Project, Self-Coached) Amelia Horne (Team Speedplay, Coach: Sarah Biss) Laura Bungard (Leith Harriers, Coach: Tony Dodds) Senior Men: Weston Hill (Trentham United Harriers, Self-Coached) Ryan Carr (Queenstown Athletic Club, Coach: Ross Gollan) Dwight Grieve (Fiordland Athletics, Coach: Shaun Cantwell) David Haunschmidt (Wellington Scottish Harriers, Self-Coached) Jack Harris (Hill City-University Club, Coach: Mason Coppi) Jackson Cole (Wellington Scottish Harriers, Self-Coached) Trail Running – Long Trail Senior Women: Julia Chamberlain (Fiordland Athletics, Coach: Aerobic Edge) Jessica Campbell (Sumner Running Club, Coach: Sarah Biss) Mel Brandon (Wellington Scottish Harriers, Coach: Andrew Wharton) Richele McKenzie (Wellington Scottish Harriers, Coach: Dawn Tuffery) Senior Men: Samuel Hansby (Wellington Harrier Club, Coach: Fleur Hansby) Josh Campbell (Trentham Harriers, Coach: Nic Ayson) Andy Crosland (Hutt Valley Harriers, Coach: Kery Suter) Will Bell (Wellington Harrier Club, Coach: Sarah Biss) Louis Schindler (Nelson Athletics, Self-Coached) William Bielby (Highgate Harriers, Coach: Daniel Jones)

Both New Zealand basketball teams have fallen short in the opening games of the Trans-Tasman Throwdown in Adelaide. The Tall Blacks started strong but faded, scoring just 26 points in the second half of an 80-68 loss to the Australia Boomers at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Wednesday night, while the Tall Ferns were outplayed in an 88-70 loss to the Australia Opals. LATEST HEADLINES: McKenzie back for Super Rugby clash Powell ready to defend Badminton title Tosi, Darry staying with NZ Rugby Black Ferns XV to play Boks women NZ Warriors named for Dragons clash Back-to-back and-ones from Reuben Te Rangi and Shea Ili gave the Tall Blacks the early jump on their Australian counterparts, with a quick six-point lead before Boomers head coach Dean Vickerman called time. A slight pause in Tall Blacks scoring followed as the Boomers found their feet, until captain Te Rangi dropped five straight for the Kiwis. Dejan Vasilijevic began to put together some nice jumpers, and again cut the Tall Blacks lead, but the experience of the Tall Blacks shone through – Tohi Smith-Milner with a nice drive to the bucket for two to finish the quarter, with Tall Blacks ahead 27-23. As he finished the first, Vasilijevic started the second with a triple, before a Angus Glover bucket gave Australia the lead. Shea Ili had 12 points in Game 1 of the Trans-Tasman Throwdown series in Adelaide. PHOTO: TALL BLACKS The experienced trio of Ili, Smith-Milner and Te Rangi once again steadied the ship for the Tall Blacks. The trio combined for a 31 first-half points to lead the New Zealanders to a 42-37 lead at the main break. After the initial flurry of third-quarter points, a fairly non-eventful three-minute period took place where both sides struggled to tick the scoreboard over before Boomers skipper Mitch Norton finally broke the deadlock to give the Australians a one-point lead. Vasilijevic found his stroke again, knocking down a triple to extend the home side’s lead to six, before Glover tickled the twine from long-range to give them a 60-51 lead at the end of three. The Tall Blacks’ struggles from the field continued in the fourth quarter. Boomers seven-footer Harry Wessels made some big buckets on the low block to help extend their lead, ballooning to double-digits. NBL1 standout, Elijah Pepper, continued his hot-form, drilling a few late triples to bury the Tall Blacks. A nice flurry of highlights from international debutant Carlin Davison pulled it back to 12-points and gave the Tall Blacks some respectability. The Tall Blacks shot a horrible 24-of-74 (32 percent) from the field and 6-of-28 (21 percent) on three-point attempts.   Australian Boomers 80  (Dejan Vasilijevic 23, Elijah Pepper 16, Angus Glover 10) Tall Blacks 68  (Reuben Te Rangi 15, Shea Ili 12, Carlin Davison 11). 1Q: 23-27, HT: 37-42, 3Q: 60-51 In the first match-up of the night, there was early excitement for the Tall Ferns as debutant Ella Brow got handed the start by new head coach Natalie Hurst. Sharne Robati started proceedings with back-to-back triples, before another triple found the bottom of the net from McKenna Dale. The Opals had an answer for each triple, to start the ‘Triple T’ with a bang. Towards the end of the first period, the Opals put their foot on the gas to try to extend their small lead, and got up by five before Coach Hurst took her first timeout, with the score at 19-14. Unfortunately for the Tall Ferns, the Opals continued to push the pace and they would open up a double-digit lead heading into the quarter-break, 27-17, despite 10 first quarter points from Robati. Miela Sowah was the leading scorer for the Opals, with 10 points off the bench. Guard Pahlyss Hokianga produced 10 points for the Tall Ferns in their Game 1 loss. PHOTO: TALL FERNS A Steph Reid lay-up in the early stages of the second quarter opened up a 15-point Opals lead, as the Tall Ferns looked to wrestle momentum back their way. With bodies flying all over the floor and plenty of hustle from the younger Kiwis, saw them slowly chip into the deficit. A 10-5 run, the way of the Ferns to close out the quarter saw them reduce to lead to single figures with a big second half effort needed to best the old foe. Whatever was said by coach Hurst at the break, did the trick. After Dale opened up the scoring in the third with another triple, and a pair of Ella Brow free throws, Pahlyss Hokianga scored five straight for the visitors as they cut the lead to five. Alexandra Fowler would go on a little mini-run of her own for the Australian’s to extend the lead back out to 14, just before Tegan Graham, Ashlee Strawbridge and Ella Brow knocked down triples. Suddenly the Tall Ferns were back within four, and that was the margin heading into the final period of play, 61-57 – advantage Opals. To begin the final period, the Opals looked to extend their lead yet again, as Alexandra Sharp and Courtney Woods dropped back-to-back buckets. However, yet again, the resilient Tall Ferns answered back.  Bailey Flavell and Tegan Graham drained triples, meant it was just a one possession game. Much as the nature of this back-and-forth battle, Australia’s sharpshooter, Miela Sowah, drilled a triple knocked down her third and fourth triples of the evening to put the Opals out by double digits with just over three minutes to go. The Opals would finish with a strong 12-2 run in the last minutes of the quarter, running out 88-70 winners over a valiant Tall Ferns side.   Australian Opals 88 (Miela Sowah 23, Alexandra Fowler 12, Courtney Woods 11) Tall Ferns 70 (Sharne Robati 19, Pahlyss Hokianga 10). 1Q: 27-17, HT: 39-30, 3Q: 61-57

Caroline Powell and Greenacres Special Cavalier are heading back to the Badminton Horse Trials title this week to defend their 2024 crown PHOTO:: LIBBY LAW PHOTOGRAPHY Olympic eventer Caroline Powell is one of 11 Kiwi combinations starting at the Badminton Horse Trials where she will defend her 2024 crown aboard Greenacres Special Cavalier. Powell also has High Time entered in the CCI5* alongside world No.4 Tim Price with Vitali and Viscount Viktor, Jonelle Price aboard Grappa Nera, Samantha Lissington on Lord Seekonig. LATEST HEADLINES: Tosi, Darry staying with NZ Rugby Black Ferns XV play Boks women Warriors named for Dragons clash Ryan Martin new Northland coach Bryce Heem retires from all rugby Jesse Campbell is on Cooley Lafitte, Dan Jocelyn with Blackthorn Cruise, Joe Meyer and Harbin, Tayla Mason aboard Centennial, and Lauren Innes on Global Fision M. Two-time 5* winne Powell says she is looking forward to a good week of sport and fun. “I am not feeling any more pressure than usual and hoping to do the best we can and come out the other side.” Tim Price had his first Badminton start more than a decade ago. Last year he and 15-year-old Vitali were eighth but have also placed second at Burghley. Tim was New Zealand’s best performed at the Paris Games with his sixth place finish aboard Falco. Jonelle Price and her 14-year-old mare Grappa Nera were sixth at Badminton last year and she’s looking forward the returning on the back of a stellar effort in 2024. Lissington is on debut at Badminton but has previous placed 11th at both Luhmuhlen and Pau and is entered with Lord Seekonig. Fellow Olympians Jocelyn and Myer are in on Blackthorn Cruise and Harbin respectively while Lauren Innes lines up for here fourth consecutive Badminton start with her 15-year-old Global Fision M. Badminton debutant Mason and her home-bred Centennial made the start list by the skin of her teeth after an agonising time on the wait list. Their only other 5* start was in 2021 at Pau. A star-studded entry list from 15 nations that includes three of Britain’s victorious Olympic team, 2022 world champ Yasminn Ingham, reigning European champion Ros Canter, world no.2 Tom McEwen, and six of the world’s top 10 ranked riders. New Zealand has an impressive history with Badminton. As well as Caroline’s victory last year, Jonelle rode Classic Moet to victory in 2018, with previous winners including Andrew Nicholson and Nereo (2017), Jock Paget aboard Clifton Promise (2013), and Sir Mark Todd on NZB Land Vision (2011), Bertie Blunt (1996), Horton Point (1994) and Southern Comfort III (1980) are all etched on the winner’s trophy.

Damian McKenzie returns for the Chiefs to take on the Crusaders in Super Rugby round 13 PHOTO: CRAIG BUTLAND/LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY Round 13 of Super Rugby Pacific features the top-of-table clash between the Chiefs and Crusaders in Christchurch as a highlight. The Chiefs have looked a little wobbly at times whereas the Crusaders appear to get stronger at every outing. LATEST HEADLINES: Powell ready to defend Badminton Tosi, Darry staying with NZ Rugby Black Ferns XV play Boks women Warriors named for Dragons clash Ryan Martin new Northland coach Damian McKenzie returns after missing two matches with injury, he takes the place of Josh Jacomb at first five in an otherwise unchanged Chiefs lineup. The Chiefs have the strong loose forward combo of Simon Parker, Luke Jacobson and Wallace Sititi to contender anything the southern side throws at them. Meanwhile the home side have named Rivez Reihana to start at first five with Taha Kemara injured. James O'Connor stays on the bench as an impact player. Brayden Ennor is back at centre from yet another injury at centre from injury to combine with David Havili. The Blues are away to the Fijian Drua in Suva but have been spared the heat and humidity of an afternoon game. The Blues have AJ Lam on the wing and a strong back reserves bench of Finley Christie, Harry Plumber and Zarn Sullivan. Dalton Papali'i will combine with Anton Segner and Hoskins Sotutu in the loose forwards while Laghlan McWannell and Patrick Tuipulotu lock the scrum as the Blues search for another win. Blues v Fijian Drua, 7:05pm Friday 9 May, HFC Bank Stadium, Suva Blues: 1. Joshua Fusitu'a, 2. Ricky Riccitelli, 3. Marcel Renata, 4. Patrick Tuipulotu (capt), 5. Laghlan McWhannell, 6. Anton Segner, 7. Dalton Papali'i, 8. Hoskins Sotutu, 9. Taufa Funaki, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. AJ Lam, 12. Xavi Taele, 13. Rieko Ioane, 14. Cole Forbes, 15. Corey Evans Bench: 16. Kurt Eklund, 17. Mason Tupaea, 18. Angus Ta'avao, 19. Josh Beehre, 20. Adrian Choat, 21. Finlay Christie, 22. Harry Plummer, 23. Zarn Sullivan Crusaders v Chiefs, 7:05pm Saturday 10 May, , Apollo Projects Stadium Crusaders : 1. Tamaiti Williams, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Fletcher Newell, 4. Scott Barrett, 5. Antonio Shalfoon, 6. Cullen Grace, 7. Tom Christie, 8. Christian Lio-Willie, 9. Noah Hotham, 10. Rivez Reihana, 11. Sevu Reece, 12. David Havili, 13. Braydon Ennor, 14. Chay Fihaki, 15. Will Jordan Bench: 16. Ioane Moananu, 17. George Bower, 18. Seb Calder, 19. Jamie Hannah, 20. Corey Kellow, 21. Kyle Preston, 22. James O'Connor, 23. Dallas McLeod Chiefs: 1. Ollie Norris, 2. Brodie McAlister, 3. George Dyer, 4. Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 5. Tupou Vaa'i, 6. Simon Parker, 7. Luke Jacobson, 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. Samisoni Taukei'aho, 17. Aidan Ross, 18. Reuben O'Neil, 19. Josh Lord, 20. Samipeni Finau, 21. Xavier Roe, 22. Josh Jacomb, 23. Gideon Wrampling

The Black Ferns XV line up for the national anthems for the match against Manusina XV in Pukekohe in 2023 PHOTO: NZR SUPPLIED/BRETT PHIBBS/ACTION PRESS The Black Ferns development side will play two matches against the Springbok Women in South Africa later this year. It will be just the second time the Black Ferns XV have assembled since being introduced to New Zealand Rugby's high performance women's pathway in 2023. LATEST HEADLINES: Warriors named for Dragons clash Ryan Martin new Northland coach Bryce Heem retires from all rugby Reynolds, Watt finalists, Hourigan title Batting collapse for NZ A cricket side The games on 26 July and 2 August are yet to have confirmed venues. NZR head of women's high performance Hannah Porter said the South Africa fixtures were a well-timed addition to the 2025 international calendar. "These matches are a major boost for our women's rugby programme and playing in South Africa where women's rugby is growing at pace will be a special experience for the players and a boost for the Black Ferns and Springbok Women's Rugby World Cup preparations. "Providing international rugby in a touring environment will accelerate the development of a wider group of players outside the Black Ferns and build the depth of women's rugby in New Zealand." The Black Ferns XV have played just one previous fixture, a 38-12 win over the Manusina XV in Pukekohe in 2023. In 2025 the Black Ferns XV will assemble on 29 June for a trial game against the Black Ferns in Whangarei on 5 July in what will be part of a double-header fixture at Semenoff Stadium also featuring the Māori All Blacks against Scotland. Porter said the trial match would offer another chance for players to impress the Black Ferns coaches ahead of the Laurie O'Reilly Cup and the Rugby World Cup selection for a broader group of New Zealand's top professional players. "When you consider the three fixtures for the Black Ferns XV there are 24 days of assembly for the group, a major increase in high performance development opportunities for our top women's players," Porter said. The Black Ferns XV coaching and management team will be announced in coming weeks

Pasiilio Tosi on the charge for the Hurricanes PHOTO: RUSSELL POTTS/LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY All Blacks tighthead prop Pasilio Tosi and lock Sam Darry have recommitted to New Zealand Rugby. Tosi first entered Super Rugby with the Hurricanes in 2022, two years before he pulled on the All Blacks jersey for the first time. LATEST HEADLINES: Black Ferns XV play Boks women Warriors named for Dragons clash Ryan Martin new Northland coach Bryce Heem retires from all rugby Reynolds, Watt finalists, Hourigan title The 26-year-old grew up in Dunedin and attended Otago Boys' High School where he excelled in multiple sports - including being a New Zealand secondary schools rugby league representative - before following the rugby pathway. "The Canes is where I feel most at home, I'm excited to extend my stay a little while longer," he said Tosi was named in All Blacks coach Scott Robertson's first squad last year in a surprise move for a player that had started the majority of his Super Rugby career off the bench. He made his All Blacks debut against Fiji in San Diego. He has played seven times for the All Blacks and scored a try. Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw was pleased to have locked the front rower down to a long-term deal until the end of 2026. "He is a very important part of the Hurricanes. He made massive strides last season, which culminated in his selection with the All Blacks. Pasi has been fantastic for us. It's special to have two current All Black tight heads in our squad." Sam Darry is staying with the Blues and NZR PHOTO: LINTOTT PHOTOGRARPHY The Blues confirmed Sam Darry has re-signed with the franchise and New Zealand Rugby (NZR) on a three-year extension, keeping him in blue through to the end of the 2028 Super Rugby Pacific season. Since arriving from Christchurch in 2021, Darry has become a key figure in the Blues engine room - bringing physicality, set-piece precision, and relentless work ethic to every performance. Standing at 2.03m, Darry’s presence in the lineout and mobility around the park were on full display throughout the 2024 campaign, culminating in a well-deserved All Blacks Test debut against Fiji. “I’m proud to call the Blues home,” said Darry. “This club has supported me to grow on and off the field, and I feel like I’m just getting started. There’s a real hunger in the group to keep building, and I want to be part of bringing more success to the Blues.” Darry has been sidelined since February, with a shoulder injury ruling him out for the remainder of the Super Rugby Pacific season. Blues GM of Rugby Murray Williams said Darry’s extension is a major win for the future of the club. “Sam is tall, tough, and a student of the game. He’s worked incredibly hard to develop his body and skillset, and we’ve seen the results in his performances,” he said. “He’s already a leader in our pack and we’re thrilled he’s committed to the Blues for the next three seasons.”

Will Luke Metcalf have another influence for the Warriors against St George PHOTO: NRL Experienced wings Dallin Watene-Zeleniak and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck are in the selection mix for the Warriors round 10 away clash against the St George Illawarra Dragons at WIN Stadium in Wollongong on Saturday. Head coach Andrew Webster has named 212-game veteran Watene-Zelezniak to make his first NRL appearance of the year after breaking his wrist in the Preseason Challenge match against Cronulla Sutherland more than 12 weeks ago. LATEST HEADLINES: Ryan Martin new Northland coach Bryce Heem retires from all rugby Reynolds, Watt finalists, Hourigan title Batting collapse for NZ A cricket side Black Ferns win World Sevens Series The 29-year-old has been selected in his customary position on the right wing with his stand-in Taine Tuaupiki switched to the left flank. At the same time 216-game campaigner Tuivasa-Sheck (31) has been included on the extended bench as he moves closer to returning from the hamstring injury that forced him off the field 55 minutes into the third-round encounter with the Sydney Roosters on March 21. While Watene-Zelezniak and Tuivasa-Sheck are in contention, Webster has been forced to make backline adjustments with three outside backs sidelined before and after last Saturday’s pulsating 30-26 win over North Queensland in last weekend’s Magic Round. Preferred centres Ali Leiataua (ankle) and Rocco Berry (hamstring) are both out for a term. Leiataua’s injury, picked up in training last Thursday, sees him out of action until round 13-14 while Berry is scheduled to return in round 14-15. Not only that, back-up winger Edward Kosi is out with a chest injury he picked up early in the match against the Cowboys but courageously played out the full 80 minutes. The extent of the injury is yet to be confirmed. With Leiataua and Berry both unavailable, second rower Kurt Capewell has been moved to the centres again where he filled in after Berry left the field in the 52nd minute; he was also used in the centres in the round seven win over Brisbane. With Capewell moved, Marata Niukore, who started in the front row against Newcastle and North Queensland, reverts to the second row with Jackson Ford to start at prop. Hooker Sam Healey is named in No 14 after making his NRL debut against the Cowboys with second rower Jacob Laban returning to the interchange after standing down last week as he followed concussion protocols. Sitting third on the ladder on 14 points, the Warriors are seeking their seventh win in nine matches this season and their fourth on end but WIN Stadium has proved to be one of their most difficult venues historically with 11 losses there against the Dragons in 13 attempts. Warriors : 1 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3 Adam Pompey, 4 Kurt Capewell, 5 Taine Tuaupiki, 6 Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7 Luke Metcalf, 8 Jackson Ford, 9 Wayne Egan, 10 Mitch Barnett, 11 Leka Halasima, 12 Marata Niukore, 13 Erin Clark Interchange: 14 Sam Healey, 15 Jacob Laban, 16 Demitric Vaimauga, 17 Bunty Afoa Reserves: 18 Te Maire Martin, 20 Tanah Boyd, 21 Tanner Stowers-Smith, 22 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 23 Eddie Ieremia-Toeava

Ryan Martin the new Taniwha coach for 2025 PHOTO: NORTHLAND RUGBY UNION The Northland Rugby Union has confirmed a new coach for the 2025 NPC season with Ryan Martin appointment in charge of the Northland Taniwha. Ryan was assistant to outgoing head coach Dale MacLeod last season. LATEST HEADLINES: Bryce Heem retires from all rugby Reynolds, Watt finalists, Hourigan title Batting collapse for NZ A cricket side Black Ferns win World Sevens Series Tough week for New Zealand golfers Jets come back to deny Giants in overtime He brings with him a deep understanding of the team’s culture, systems, and vision for the future and has coached in Australia, Japan, and the United States. His most recent roles include Assistant Coach (Attack & Backs) at Toyota Verblitz in Japan, the Melbourne Rebels in Super Rugby, and Head Coach of the New England Free Jacks in Major League Rugby. “I’m incredibly honoured to be taking on the Head Coach role at Northland,” said Martin. “After a year working with Dale and the wider team, I’ve seen firsthand the heart, grit, and potential in this group. I’m excited to continue building on that foundation. Northland has a proud rugby history and an exciting future – I’m committed to helping us reach that next level.” The appointment of Martin is part of a process of continuity for the Northland Rugby Union.

Bryce Heem looks to get a pass away for the Blues last season. PHOTO: LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY Backline utility Bryce Heem has officially announced his retirement from rugby atter 15-years of top-level play. The 36-year-olds career started in the NPC with Auckland in 2010 before stints with Northland and Tasman. LATEST HEADLINES: Reynolds, Watt finalists, Hourigan title Batting collapse for NZ A cricket side Black Ferns win World Sevens Series Tough week for New Zealand golfers Jets come back to deny Giants in overtime Heem was also a member of All Blacks Sevens, before moving on to play for the Chiefs, Worcester Warriors, and Toulon. He played 42 times for the Blues showing leadership in the backline for younger players as well as his ability to play in any position. “It’s been an incredible ride,” said Heem. “When I look back on my career, it’s the people I’ve met and the memories I’ve made that stand out the most. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have represented several teams on my journey and to finish here at the Blues and winning a championship last season was something special.” “I want to make special mention of my wife Jocelyn for supporting me through this entire journey. She’s been my rock, holding it all down at home so I could focus on doing what I love. Without her, none of this would have been possible,” he said. Heem’s bond with the Blues ran deep. He was known affectionately as ‘Uncle’ by his teammates - his experience and wisdom made him an invaluable presence in the changing sheds, training paddock and in the arena. His leadership, reliability, and work ethic were crucial to the Blues’ success over recent seasons. “I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to the entire Blues organisation - the coaches, staff, and everyone who’s played some part in my career,” Heem said. “You’ve all played a huge role in making this such a special time in my life. I’ve learned so much and will be forever grateful for your belief in me.” “A special shout-out to the medical staff... you’ve worked wonders on my body as I’ve gotten older, and I’m sure you’ll be relieved I won’t be calling on your services quite as often in the future!.” As Heem transitions to the next chapter of his career, he is excited to announce his next move - working as a Mortgage Broker with The Lending Department. Heem has been working toward this new venture as part of his personal development programme while playing rugby, preparing for a smooth transition once his playing days came to an end. “It’s always been important to me to plan for life after rugby, and becoming a mortgage broker is the next step in that journey.” “I’ve had the privilege of learning a lot during my time at the Blues, and I’m eager to bring that knowledge and discipline to the world of finance. If anyone needs a mortgage, come see me — I’ll be happy to help,” said Heem.

Finn Reynolds (third from right) and James Watt (second from right) The New Zealand duo of Finn Reynolds and James Watt have been beaten in the final of the Ostrava Challenger in Czechia. They had defeated the top seeds in the semifinals but fell to local wildcards Stefan Latinovic (Czech) and Serbian Jan Jermar 7-5, 6-3. Reynolds and Watt had their serves broken on four ocassions compared to acheiving two breaks on their opponents in the one hour 23 minute contest. LATEST HEADLINES: Batting collapse for NZ A cricket side Black Ferns win World Sevens Series Tough week for New Zealand golfers Jets come back to deny Giants in overtime Phoenix end A-League season with a loss The great run sees Finn and James improving their career high rankings again, with Reynold up to 145 in the ATP doubles rankings and Watt rising to 213 The have made the final, semifinals, quarters and final in their last four tournmanets The kiwi duo now compete in the 91,250 euro Challanger at Francavilla al Mare in France where they face Russian Ivan Liutarevich and dutchman Mick Veldheer. Meanwhile Paige Hourigan has won the doubles title at Lopota, Georgia, winning in a rain-delayed final with Indiian Rutuja Bhosale. Hourigan and Bhosale defeated India’s Shrivalli Rashmikaa Bhamdipaty and Alexandra Shubladze from Russia 6-3 6-2 in the ITF W50 tournament. It is Hourigan’s first title of the year, after winning four doubles tournaments in 2024 partnering with Bhosale for two of them.

New Zealand A struggled at the batting crease against Bangladesh A PHOTO:: bcb just two batters making double figures and four consecutive ducks has helped hand Bangladesh A a seven wicket win over New Zealand A. Four of the top five batters; Dale Phillips, Matthew Boyle, Muhammad Abbas and Nick Kelly all made ducks in their opening 50 over game against Bangladesh A in Sylhet. LATEST HEADLINES: Black Ferns win World Sevens Series Tough week for New Zealand golfers Jets come back to deny Giants in overtime Phoenix end A-League season with a loss Moana Pasifika move into sixth over Blues New Zealand won the toss but were dismissed for 147 in the 35th over, the home side replying with 149-3 in the 28th over. Opener Rhys Mariu made 42 off 51 balls as wickets fell around him and the score reached 58-6 when he was dismissed. However Dean Foxcroft at number eight in the order hit 72 off 64 including four sixes and six fours to give their innings some respect. In the field Kristian Clark picked up two wickets for 30 runs from his five overs, with Foxcroft taking the other wicket. Game two of the three match 50-over series is Wednesday. The two sides then play in two unofficial Tests.

The Black Ferns as women's winners and South Africa the men's winners in Los Angeles PHOTO: WORLD SEVENS The Black Ferns have continued their succes finishing the season as World Sevens Series champions after thrashing Australia 31-7 in the final in Los Angeles. The New Zealand side led 12-0 at halftime and have now won four straight matches against Australia since the final of the Perth event. LATEST HEADLINES: Tough week for New Zealand golfers Jets come back to deny Giants in overtime Phoenix end A-League season with a loss Moana Pasifika move into sixth over Blues Lawson loses points at F1 Miami Grand Prix Auckland FC drop last regular season game Jorja Miller, Michaela Brake, Risi Pouri-Lane, Mahina Paul and Sarah Hirini were the try-scorers for the Black Ferns who had already wrapped up the overall league title after winning four of the six previous rounds. They won titles at the Cape Town, Vancouver, Hong Kong and Singapore rounds. Miller was named women's player of the year. The top eight men's and women's teams in the standings after the Singapore event then qualified for the LA season finale. Olympic champions New Zealand beat hosts the United States 34-7 in the semi-finals. Michaela Brake scored a hat-trick of tries for the Black Ferns Sevens against the US with Jorja Miller, Jazmin Felix-Hotham and Sarah Hirini the other players to dot down. The All Blacks Sevens were beaten 31-5 by South Africa in the semifinals to eventually finished third after overcoming Argentina 38-17 in the bronze medal playoff. It's the New Zealand men's first podium finish this World Series season. South Africa beat Spain in the men's final.