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Finn Allen played for the San Francisco Unicorns in the 2024 Major League Cricket season PHOTO: MLC New Zealand Cricket is taking a stake in the United States Major League Cricket, partnering with a US company to establish a new team in the competition from 2027. The competitoin currently features six franchises, with Indian Premier League franchises, the Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings owning the Los Angeles Knight Riders and the San Francisco Unicorns LATEST HEADLINES: Super Rugby teams Round 11 action Injury replacement for Central Pulse NZ Warriors fullback extends contract Wide range of players to Black Ferns Sun first round winner at Madrid Open Black Caps Finn Allen, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra all currently play in the four week competition in June and July. The Washington Freedom featuring Ravindra and Ferguson won the 2024 league. Former Black Cap Corey Anderson plays for the Unicorns and now the United States. NZ Cricket will partner with US-based company True North Sports Ventures to establish a franchise in possibly Toronto and Atlanta. NZC chief executive Scott Weenink said the deal is a first-of-its-kind agreement between a full member of the ICC and a franchise in a leading professional cricket league and will involve "financial equity" and "sweat equity". "It's a reasonable investment but it's fair to say we are still minority investors." Weenink said NZC will provide high-performance and operational support, including coaching, management, and support staff which will earn them "a seven figure sum annually". "Hopefully we will also see a growth in capital but also dividends which will start to be spun out of that equity investment. "We still see India as untapped from a New Zealand Cricket perspective so we are putting a significant amount of energy and resource into growing New Zealand Cricket's and New Zealand Cricket players brand in India and we see the same in the US - partly diversifying away from India but also because we see America as such a huge market from a sports perspective," said Weenink. "We see cricket really taking off there on the back of the recent World Cup but also with the Olympics being held in LA in 2028 so we really want to tap into and jump on board the huge growth opportunity that Major League Cricket and US offers. Weenink said had been working on the deal for the past four months after initial discussions with the MLC. "The partnership (will position NZC) at the forefront of cricket's global transformation, as well as strengthening its presence in the world's most lucrative sporting market. "As franchise cricket grows globally, NZC needs to adapt to seize strategic opportunities that ensure the sustainability of our cricket network. "This helps diversify our revenue streams, expands our global brand and fan base, and creates new talent development and retention pathways for both our players and coaches." According to NZ the yet un-named franchise hopes to tap into a 25 million-strong cricket fan base that is driving the sport's growth in North America, following the 2024 T20 World Cup and cricket's inclusion in the 2028 LA Olympics.

Wallace Sititi on the burst against the Blues last year makes his return for the Chiefs in Round 11 PHOTO: SIMON WATTS /LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY Round 11 of Super Rugby Pacofic has a few notables as the Blues still need wins. There's the all-South Island clash while Moana Pasifika face Fijian Drua. The star of the All Blacks last year Wallace Sititi is back for the Chiefs, after a long injury layoff for a knee injury sustained on last season's end of year tour. Siti will be on the bench for Friday night's match against the Force at Bay Oval n Mt Maunganui. and his impact will be closely watched. LATEST HEADLINES: Injury replacement for Central Pulse NZ Warriors fullback extends contract Wide range of players to Black Ferns Sun first round winner at Madrid Open Nicoll-Klokstad, Berry back for Warriors It will be a big night too for hooker, Samisoni Taukei'aho is set to earn his 100th cap when he runs out in front a sold-out crowd as the front-runners look to maintain their place at the top of the points ladder. The Blues have their impact player in Beauden Barrett off the bench as he recovers from an illness which means Harry Plumbers starts at first five. There's a change in the loose forwards with Dalton Papali'i out with injury with his place taken Anton Segner on the openside as Cam Christie is at blindside and Hoskins Sotutu at teh back of the scrum while kurt Eklund replaces Ricky Riccitelli at hooker. Ardie Savea is back for Moana for their battle of the Pacific against the Drua - Julian Savea is on the bench. The suprise selection is Jackson Garden-Bachop once again preferred at first five ahead of Patrick Pellegrini. Injuries to Caleb Tangitau and Jona Nareki mean there's a reshuffle on the wings at the Highlanders, with Timoci Tavatavanawai moving back out and Jonah Lowe starting on the other. Sean Withy is back from suspension to start at openside. Meanwhile the Crusaders havn't listed James O'Connor in the 23 to face the Highlanders with Taha Kemara at first five and Rivez Reihama back up.. Xavier Saifoloi is at blindside and Macca Springer gets the nod on the wing ahead of Chay Fihaki. The Hurricanes drew with the Force last week and have four players out with HIA but have Riley Higgins starting in the pivot role and Billy Proctor back in the starting midfield. Kini Naholo comes back onto the wing. Ruben Love once again starts at 10, but last weekend's form player Fatafehi Fineanganofo is out with concussion. Team lists: Chiefs v Force, 7:05pm Friday 25 April, Bay Oval, Mt Maunganui Chiefs : 1. Aidan Ross, 2. Samisoni Taukei'aho, 3. George Dyer, 4. Josh Lord, 5. Tupou Vaa'i, 6. Samipeni Finau, 7. Kaylum Boshier, 8. Luke Jacobson (C), 9. Cortez Ratima, 10. Josh Jacomb, 11. Daniel Rona, 12. Quinn Tupaea, 13. Anton Lienert-Brown, 14. Emoni Narawa, 15. Shaun Stevenson Bench : 16. Brodie McAlister, 17. Ollie Norris, 18. Reuben O'Neill, 19. Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 20. Simon Parker, 21. Wallace Sititi, 22. Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 23. Kaleb Trask Blues v Reds, 9:35pm Friday 25 April, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane Blues: 1. Joshua Fusitu'a, 2. Kurt Eklund, 3. Angus Ta'avao, 4. Patrick Tuipulotu (c), 5. Josh Beehre, 6. Cam Christie, 7. Anton Segner, 8. Hoskins Sotutu, 9. Finlay Christie, 10. Harry Plummer, 11. Mark Tele'a, 12. AJ Lam, 13. Rieko Ioane, 14. Cole Forbes, 15. Zarn Sullivan Bench: 16. Ricky Riccitelli, 17. Mason Tupaea, 18. Hamdahn Tuipolotu, 19. Laghlan McWhannell, 20. Adrian Choat, 21. Sam Nock, 22. Beauden Barrett, 23. Corey Evans Moana Pasifika v Fijian Drua, 4:35pm Saturday 26 April, North Harbour Stadium, Albany 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. Jackson Garden-Bachop, 11. Fine Inisi, 12. Danny Toala, 13. Lalomilo Lalomilo, 14. Tevita Ofa, 15. William Havili Bench : 16. Tomasi Maka, 17. Monu Moli, 18. Chris Apoua, 19. Allan Craig, 20. Sione Havili Talitui, 21. Melani Matavao, 22. Patrick Pellegrini, 23. Julian Savea Highlanders v Crusaders, 7:05pm Saturday 26 April, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin Highlanders: 1. Ethan de Groot, 2. Soane Vikena, 3. Saula Mau, 4. Mitch Dunshea, 5. Fabian Holland, 6. Te Kamaka Howden, 7. Sean Withy, 8. Will Stodart, 9. Folau Fakatava, 10. Cameron Millar, 11. Jonah Lowe, 12. Jake Te Hiwi, 13. Thomas Umaga-Jensen, 14. Timoci Tavatavanawai, 15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens Bench: 16. Jack Taylor, 17. Josh Bartlett, 18. Sosefo Kautai, 19. Oliver Haig, 20. Veveni Lasaqa, 21. Nathan Hastie, 22. Sam Gilbert, 23. Josh Whaanga Crusaders: 1. George Bower, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Fletcher Newell, 4. Scott Barrett, 5. Jamie Hannah, 6. Xavier Saifoloi, 7. Tom Christie, 8. Christian Lio-Willie, 9. Noah Hotham, 10. Taha Kemara, 11. Macca Springer, 12. David Havili (c), 13. Dallas McLeod, 14. Sevu Reece, 15. Will Jordan Bench: 16. Ioane Moananu, 17. Tamaiti Williams, 18. Kershawl Sykes-Martin, 19. Tahlor Cahill, 20. Corey Kellow, 21. Kyle Preston, 22. Rivez Reihana, 23. Chay Fihaki Brumbies v Hurricanes, 9:35pm Saturday 26 April, GIO Stadium, Canberra Hurricanes: 1. Tevita Mafileo, 2. Raymond Tuputupu, 3. Pasilio Tosi, 4. Caleb Delany, 5. Zach Gallagher, 6. Brad Shields (cc), 7. Du'Plessis Kirifi (cc), 8. Peter Lakai, 9. Cam Roigard, 10. Ruben Love, 11. Kini Naholo, 12. Riley Higgins, 13. Billy Proctor (cc), 14. Ngatungane Punivai, 15. Callum Harkin Bench : 16. Jacob Devery, 17. Xavier Numia, 18. Tyrel Lomax

Injury replacement Amorangi Malesala has been included in the Central Pulse team for the ANZ Premiership PHOTO: CENTRAL PULSE Shooter Amorangi Malesala has been contracted to Pulse as a replacement player for an injured Khiarna Williams ahead of the ANZ Premiership netball season. It’s another setback for the luckless Williams, who also spent time out last season, and is set for another stint of rehabbing after injuring a shoulder during the pre-season tournament in Ōtaki earlier this month. Williams will be sidelined for several weeks but is expected to make a return during the season. LATEST HEADLINES: NZ Warriors fullback extends contract Wide range of players to Black Ferns Sun first round winner at Madrid Open Nicoll-Klokstad, Berry back for Warriors Mitchell Santner Wisden Trophy win Signed on as a training partner for Magic this season, it’s been a landscape-changing few days for Malesala. ``This was certainly a surprise but I guess when you’re in the position of being a training partner you’ve got to be prepared for these sorts of opportunities and I’m really grateful to be down here in Wellington with the Pulse,’’ she said. ``For many years, I’ve played against the Pulse and just from the outside looking in, it always seems like they’re a tight-knit group. So, being here to be able to experience what it’s like, how they do trainings and just the relationships off the court, has been really awesome to see in the short time I’ve been here and I’m really enjoying it. ``With injuries these opportunities happen and it’s similar to what happened to me last year (with the Stars), another player came in for me and took the opportunity, so you’ve just got to take everything as it comes and now I want to put my best foot forward every time I take the court.’’ With the Stars for four years, Malesala, 26, had a breakout season in 2023, making the most of her increased opportunities where she excelled with her variety, deceptive skill set and ice-cool ability to shoot from long range. That strong form earned her a spot in the 2023-24 Silver Ferns Development squad and she was subsequently selected in the Silver Ferns squad for the Nations Cup in England in 2024, going on to make her international debut against the hosts. Possessing a calm demeanour, the strongly-built shooter provides explosive impact through clever movement and ball-handling skills. Dogged by injury last year, Malesala is looking to make the most of her unexpected opportunity which coincides with rule innovations for the upcoming season, most notably the two-point shot, which comes into play for the last five minutes of each quarter with points worth double from the 3.5m range, a scenario for which she would seem tailor-made. ``I enjoy the two-point shot,’’ she said. ``I think it adds a lot of elements to our game. It’s probably exciting from a supporter’s perspective but as a playing group, we’re still training to navigate what that looks like. ``It remains crucial to score the one-pointers as much as it is to score the twos and will come down to which teams are the most clinical but I think the Pulse are a side that can really go all the way with this new rule.’’ Malesala will get her first game-time in Christchurch this weekend in the last formal hit-out for the Pulse before the season-proper starts, during the Tactix-hosted pre-season tournament which also involves the Steel and Christchurch Men’s team. ``We’re very grateful and fortunate to have gained the calibre of player we have in Amorangi at such short notice and for what she will bring to the Pulse,’’ said Netball Central/Pulse Director of High Performance Waimarama Taumaunu. ``She’s a classy player who will add plenty of value and variety to our playing group and we’re delighted to have her on board.’’ The Pulse open their 2025 campaign against the Magic in Palmerston North on May 10.

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is staying with the Warriors until the end of the 2027 season PHOTO: NRL Fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad has recommitted to the New Zealand Warriors until the end of the 2027 NRL season. The off-contract 29-year-old Kiwi international’s two-year extension will now stretch his second stay at the club to at least five seasons after earlier spending three years at the Warriors from 2016 to 2018. LATEST HEADLINES: Wide range of players to Black Ferns Sun first round winner at Madrid Open Nicoll-Klokstad, Berry back for Warriors Mitchell Santner Wisden Trophy win Chris Wood scores for Forest in EPL “We’re thrilled Charnze has extended his time with us,” said One New Zealand Warriors general manager recruitment, pathways and development Andrew McFadden. “He attracted interest from a lot of other clubs but has thankfully decided to stay here. “He’s important to us on so many levels, not least what he brings on the field but also with his leadership, attitude, guidance and contribution off the field.” Nicoll-Klokstad made seven NRL appearances in his first stint with the One New Zealand Warriors and has added another 45 this term to reach his 50-game milestone with the club. “Keeping Charnze means so much to us,” said One New Zealand Warriors head coach Andrew Webster. “He plays such a huge part at our club and we didn’t want him going anywhere else. “The energy he brings every training session, every game and around the club is unbelievable. He’s all heart and soul and we love him.” Nicoll-Klokstad missed Saturday night’s gritty 20-18 golden point win over Brisbane as he followed the NRL’s concussion protocols after being forced off the field early in the second half of the loss to Melbourne. Despite being limited to 44 minutes against the Storm, he is still averaging 176 metres this season including a phenomenal performance in the 14-6 round two victory against the Sydney Roosters. Marking his 50th outing for the Warriors, Nicoll-Klokstad carried the ball 30 times for 316 metres – three runs in one set at one point – with 96 post-contact metres, a line break, two line break assists, two try assists and seven tackle breaks. Since returning from Canberra, he has taken his gamed to another level averaging a career-best 188 metres a game in 2023 and then bettering that with 202 metres last year.

Amy du Plessis who was a star in Super Rugby Aupiki is one of 49 players invited to Black Ferns trials PHOTO: CRAIG BUTLAND/LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY The Black Ferns selectors have invited 49 players to attend the first training camp for 2025 held at NZCIS, Wellington n the lead up to the Pacific Four Series (PAC4). Black Ferns Director of Performance Allan Bunting said he was impressed with the competitiveness and intensity displayed during Super Rugby Aupiki. LATEST HEADLINES: Sun first round winner at Madrid Open Nicoll-Klokstad, Berry back for Warriors Mitchell Santner Wisden Trophy win Chris Wood scores for Forest in EPL Woodman-Wickliffe out of retirement “Firstly on behalf of New Zealand Rugby (NZR), I’d like to congratulate each player and their whānau on their selection into our first training camp of the year. The decisions have come from a combination of previous Black Ferns experience and outstanding performances across Super Rugby Aupiki in their respective teams,” said Bunting. “We are looking forward to bringing this very talented group together. It is important for us to build connections and lay down the foundations. It is great to have experienced and new talent with key attributes that we know will drive connection, competition and growth in our environment. We are excited to get going on the first part of our World Cup journey. We believe this group of wāhine toa can really go to the next level.” As previously announced, sevens players Stacey Waaka and Jorja Miller will join the Black Ferns after the Los Angeles Sevens. Risaleaana Pouri-Lane will now also play in Los Angeles and come into camp in Christchurch. Kelsey Teneti and Jaymie Kolose will be available for selection for the Black Ferns Sevens for Los Angeles and will join Black Ferns training camps after PAC4. The PAC4 squad will be announced on Thursday, May 1 alongside a full list of Black Ferns contracted players for 2025. Media resources such as media guide, headshots and pronunciation guides will also be provided then. Black Ferns training camp invitees list: Mia Anderson (Chiefs, Waikato), Taufa Bason (Blues, Manawatū), Laura Bayfield (Matatū, Canterbury), Ariana Bayler (Chiefs, Waikato), Kelly Brazier (Chiefs, Bay of Plenty), Chelsea Bremner (Matatū, Canterbury), Alana Bremner (Matatū, Canterbury) Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu Atai’i Sylvia Brunt (Blues, Auckland), Luka Connor (Chiefs, Bay of Plenty) Ruahei Demant (Blues, Auckland), Amy du Plessis (Matatū, Canterbury), Dhys Faleafaga (Black Ferns Sevens), Vici-Rose Green (Chiefs, Waikato), Kate Henwood (Chiefs, Bay of Plenty) Iritana Hohaia (Hurricanes, Taranaki), Renee Holmes (Chiefs, Waikato) Maia Joseph (Matatū, Otago), Tanya Kalounivale (Chiefs, Waikato), Jaymie Kolose (Blues, Counties Manukau), Hannah King (Matatū, Canterbury), Ayesha Leti-I’iga (Hurricanes, Wellington), Atlanta Lolohea (Blues, Canterbury), Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu (Chiefs, Waikato) Holly-Rae Mete (Matatū, Manawatū), Liana Mikaele-Tu’u (Blues, Auckland), Jorja Miller (Black Ferns Sevens), Krystal Murray (Chiefs, Northland), Kaipo Olsen-Baker (Matatū, Manawatū) Marcelle Parkes (Matatū, Canterbury), Mererangi Paul (Chiefs, Counties Manukau), Georgia Ponsonby (Matatū, Canterbury), Risaleaana Pouri-Lane (Black Ferns Sevens) Maiakawanakaulani Roos (Blues, Auckland), Amy Rule (Matatū, Canterbury), Layla Sae (Hurricanes, Manawatū), Alena Saili (Black Ferns Sevens), Theresa Setefano (Black Ferns Sevens), Braxton Sorensen-McGee (Blues, Auckland), Awhina Tangen-Wainohu (Blues, Waikato), Santo Taumata (Chiefs, Bay of Plenty), Kelsey Teneti (Black Ferns Sevens), Ruby Tui (Chiefs, Counties Manukau), Kennedy Tukuafu (Chiefs, Waikato), Tara Turner (Blues, Northland), Katelyn Vahaakolo (Blues, Auckland), Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu (Blues, Auckland), Chryss Viliko (Blues, Auckland), Stacey Waaka (Black Ferns Sevens), Portia Woodman-Wickliffe (Blues) Black Ferns timeline April 27 - First Black Ferns Training Camp May 1 - Pacific Four Series squad named with Black Ferns contracted group list attached. May 10 - Black Ferns v Australia (PAC4) May 17 - Black Ferns v Canada (PAC4) May 24 - Black Ferns v USA (PAC4)

Lulu Sun has won her first round at the WTA 1000 Madrid Open PHOTO: WTA Lulu Sun has put on an impressive performance to win in three sets over French woman Varvara Gracheva at the Madrid Open WTA 1000. Twenty-four-year-old Sun ranked 45 defeated the 66th ranked Gracheva 3-6 6-1 6-4 in one hour 54 minutes on the Arantxa Sanchez Stadium. LATEST HEADLINES: Nicoll-Klokstad, Berry back for Warriors Mitchell Santner Wisden Trophy win Chris Wood scores for Forest in EPL Woodman-Wickliffe out of retirement West Coast names new coach, CEO Sun was broken in the first game of the match, however she responded perfectly and ultimately turned the match around. Sun then eased through the second set but was broken early in the third but then struggled to get back in the match as Sun broke her opponent a couple of times to take the match. She won four of seven break point opportunities and was broken twice and had one of her better serving days as she finished with three aces and just one double fault winning over 78 percent of her first serves. The victory over Gracheva was Sun's fourth win of the year after she struggled to claim a victory until her fifth tournament at Abu Dhabi. Sun will now face former Australian Open winner Sofia Kenin in the second round. Kenin is currently ranked 32. New Zealand's Erin Routliffe and Canadian Gaby Dabrowski are the top seeds in the women's doubles and face Romanian Sorana Christia and Russia Anna Kaylinskaya in the first round. Routliffe and Dabrowski won their first title on clay together last week at the Stuttgart.

The Wellington Phoenix Women with Annalie Longo (second row right) in her final game for the club PHOTO: LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPY A momentus game for the Wellington Phoenix Women in what was both head coach Paul Temple and captain Annalie Longo’s final game with the club. They drew with Western United 1-1 after a powerful header from Sara Eggesvik, in the 75th minutes at Porirua Park. Western’s lead lasted just five minutes though as Emma Main stole in ahead of goalkeeper Alyssa Dall’Oste to convert from close range. LATEST HEADLINES: Chiefs back on top, Hurricanes near miss Routliffe, Dabrowski reach Stuttgart final Metcalf boots Warriors to win over Broncos Auckland FC on brink of the Premier's Plate Ryan Fox makes PGA Tour cut at Puntacana The result means Western United miss out on the chance to host a home elimination final finishing the regular season in sixth place and are now to Adelaide United in the first round of the Finals Series. Temple’s side finish the season in ninth place in his final game in a near decade-long spell with the club while club captain Longo also confirmed after the game she would be departing the club. Starting the second-half like they did the first, Western went in search of the opener and would have had it were it not for some last ditch Wellington defending. Completely against the run of play Wellington were then inches away from taking the lead in the 64th minute but Grace Jale was unable to get the final touch on a ball to the back post. However, the visitors finally found the goal they needed and it came via the head of Eggesvik in the 75th minute from the Philippines international. Down the right, Manaia Elliott whipped a low ball into the heart of the six yard area which was scooped home by Main to make it 1-1 . With both sides desperate to find a late winner the game began to bounce from end-to-end and Western were inches away from finding a winner. Having won a free-kick 25 metres out from goal, Western winger Adriana Taranto stepped up and whipped a wicked delivery towards goal which beat substitute keeper Brooke Neary all ends up before crashing back off the bar. Wellington were then within a whisker of winning it as Alyssa Whinham sent a dipping effort towards goal from the edge of the area and it would have found the back of the net were it not for a fingertip save from goalkeeper Dall’Oste

Liam Lawson was frustrated he came so close to gaining points at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix PHOTO: F1/GETTY IMAGES New Zealand driver Liam Lawson has missed the top-10 and points, but still matched his best result of the 2025 Formula 1 season so far, Lawson qualified 12th on the gridfor the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and finished 12th, two places outside the championship points. LATEST HEADLINES: Final round struggles for Kiwi golfers Routliffe, Dabrowski take Stuttgart title Nix Women goodbye to Longo, Temple Chiefs back on top, Hurricanes near miss Routliffe, Dabrowski reach Stuttgart final Lawson crossed the finish-line 11th, but was relegated a spot with a 10-second penalty for also leaving the track and gaining an advantage. He ended up two places behind Racing Bulls teammate Isack Hadjar, but he had the satisfaction of beating Japanese Yuki Tsunoda, who replaced Lawson in the Red Bull car last month. "I didn't have a great start and then just wrong place on the first lap, when everything happened and I went off track," said Lawson. "It's a shame, as I think the car was pretty quick. The 23-year-old kiwi was frustrated no getting points. "We just spent the whole race in traffic again, no matter what we did, so it's a shame. "This weekend's been the most comfortable I've been in the car - just want some points. I think we're doing all the right things, it just needs to come together." Australian Oscar Piastri won the race and leads the world championship for the first time in his career. Defending champion and polesitter Max Verstappen finished second, while Charles Leclerc's Ferrari completed the podium for this fifth round of the season, under the floodlights at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. Piastri's third win this year was in large part decided at the first turn, when Verstappen went off the track and picked up a five-second penalty for gaining an advantage.

Portia Woodman-Wickliffe is returning to international rugby in a bid to play the 2025 Rugby World Cup PHOTO: NZR SUPPLIED Black Ferns legend Portia Woodman-Wickliffe has announced she will step out of international retirement targetting a third Rugby World Cup. Woodman-Wickliffe has signed an eight-month contract with New Zealand Rugby and is set to join the Black Ferns in their first assembly this weekend. A global star of the game, Woodman-Wickliffe announced her international retirement last year, after winning her second Olympic gold medal with the Black Ferns Sevens in Paris. LATEST HEADLINES: West Coast names new coach, CEO Liam Lawson near-miss on points again Final round struggles for Kiwi golfers Routliffe, Dabrowski take Stuttgart title Nix Women goodbye to Longo, Temple She said the decision came into fruition over her time representing the Blues in Super Rugby Aupiki. “By week three of Aupiki I was at fifty percent of my decision. Each week in campaign I thought about the possibility of how I could potentially go to the World Cup more and more. I thought about what it would mean to me but most importantly my whānau. I needed time to process everything and making myself available for this team is where I’ve landed,” Woodman Wickliffe said. “When I said I was going to retire from sevens it was based around having babies, 2025 was about exploring as many opportunities as I could so that when I do end up having them, I can say I’ve tried as much as I can.” A recent Super Rugby Aupiki 2025 champion with the Blues, her previous achievements include winning two Rugby World Cups (2017 and 2022), two sevens Rugby World Cups (2013 and 2018) and winning Olympic and Commonwealth golds. She holds the record for top try-scorer in Rugby World Cup history. Woodman-Wickliffe was also recognised by World Rugby as Sevens Player of the Year in 2015, Women’s Player of the Year (XVs) in 2017 and in 2020, was named the top women’s sevens player of the decade. “Portia is an exceptional human and I know she will enhance our Black Ferns environment,” said Black Ferns Director of Performance Allan Bunting. “On the field, she is someone who knows what it takes to win pinnacle events. The game has shifted, and I know Portia is excited about the growth she still has and the contribution she can give. Her natural ability to inspire others, her amazing athleticism, knowledge of the game and skillset will have a huge influence on all those around here. I’m really looking forward to seeing her contribution to the team.”

Mitchell Santner has been awarded the Wisden Trophy PHOTO: DJ MILLS/LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY New Zealand Black Caps all-rounder Mitchell Santner has been awarded the Wisden Trophy for his performances in 2024. The award was in recognition of Santner's match-winning haul of 13 wickets in the second test against India in Pune in October last year. LATEST HEADLINES: Chris Wood scores for Forest in EPL Woodman-Wickliffe out of retirement West Coast names new coach, CEO Liam Lawson near-miss on points again Final round struggles for Kiwi golfers The win gave New Zealand an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. It marked India's first test series loss at home since 2012 with the Black Caps going on to claim a 3-0 series whitewash. The Wisden Cricketers' Almanack, often called "the Bible of cricket", has been published every year since 1864. India duo Jasprit Bumrah and Smriti Mandhana were named the world's leading cricketers in the latest edition of the Almanack. Bumrah won the honour in the men's section after a stellar 2024 when he excelled across formats and was named player of the tournament as India won the Twenty20 World Cup in the West Indies. Opener Mandhana won the women's honour after a prolific 2024 that included five hundreds - four of them in one-day internationals. Mandhana also led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their first Women's Premier League title last year. Her win was ahead of New Zealand's Amelia Kerr was in January named the ICC's Women's Cricker of the Year. Bumrah was named ICC's Men's Cricketer of the Year in January.

Will the Warriors be celebrating again when they host Newcastle on Friday in Christchurch PHOTO: NRL Fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and centre Rocco Berry return while front rower Jackson Ford will make his 50th appearance for the Warruirs on Friday,. The Warriors host Newcastle in their historic Anzac Day match at Apollo Projects Stadium in Christchurch. LATEST HEADLINES: Mitchell Santner Wisden Trophy win Chris Wood scores for Forest in EPL Woodman-Wickliffe out of retirement West Coast names new coach, CEO Liam Lawson near-miss on points again Nicoll-Klokstad (concussion) and Berry (suspension) were both unavailable for Saturday night’s gritty golden point victory over the Broncos but come straight back into the side. Nicoll-Klokstad’s return sees Taine Tuaupiki back on the right wing replacing Edward Kosi while Berry comes in for second rower Kurt Capewell who filled in for him in the centres against Brisbane. Capewell is back in the second row with Leka Halasima reverting to the interchange along with Demitric Vaimauga, Bunty Afoa and Jacob Laban, giving the Warriors one of the youngest benches in their history with Vaimauga and Laban both 21 and Halasima only 19. After marking 100-game landmarks for Erin Clark and Adam Pompey in the last two games against Melbourne and Brisbane, the hard-working Ford is the milestone man this week as he brings up his 50th appearance for the club. It will be the Warriors’ 16th Anzac Day fixture but the first in Christchurch with the previous 15 split between AAMI Park and Go Media Stadium. They’ll be seeking their first Anzac Round victory on New Zealand soil following losses in the two matches against the Titans in Auckland last year and in 2015. They Warriors go into the contest seeking a fourth straight home win following three on end at Go Media Stadium against Manly Warringah (36-16), the Sydney Roosters (14-6) and the extra-time thriller against the Broncos (20-18) last week. Together with the away win against the Wests Tigers (26-24), the Warriors sit fourth on the ladder on 10 points. Their 4-2 win-loss start to the season has been bettered only twice in the club’s previous 30 campaigns (5-1 in 2018 and 2003). It will be the 52nd clash between the Warriors and the Knights with the two opponents having 25 wins apiece with one drawn. The Warriors have a strong success rate against Newcastle in games played in New Zealand with nine wins in the last 10 contests (eight in Auckland and one in Wellington) with the last loss in 2019. Newcastle have lost their last four games in a row in the 2025 season. Warriors: Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Taine Tuaupiki, Rocco Berry, Ali Leiataua, Adam Pompey, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Luke Metcalf; Jackson Ford, Wayde Egan, Mitchell Barnett, Kurt Capewell, Marata Niukore, Erin Clark. Interchange: Leka Halasima, Bunty Afoa, Demitric Vaimauga, Jacob Laban. Reserves: Te Maire Martin, Tanah Boyd, Tanner Stowers-Smith, Samuel Healey, Edward Kosi

Chris Wood scored his 19th goal of the EPL season in the 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur PHOTO: NOTTINGHAM FOREST SOCIALS New Zealand All Whites captain Chris Wood has scored his 19th Premier League goal of the season for Nottingham Forest in a vital 2-1 away victory at Tottenham Hotspur. The win saw Wood return to EPL play after an injury from the All Whites game against New Caledonia had sidelined him for a couple of weeks. LATEST HEADLINES: Woodman-Wickliffe out of retirement West Coast names new coach, CEO Liam Lawson near-miss on points again Final round struggles for Kiwi golfers Routliffe, Dabrowski take Stuttgart title In his abscence a couple of losses had slowed Forest's push for Champions League qualification and they started the day sixth but moved up to third by the end of the game. Nuno Espirito Santo's side took the lead after five minutes when a corner fell to Elliot Anderson on the edge of the area and his powerful deflected drive found the net. Wood then had a goal disallowed by VAR for a marginal offside by his are before doubling Forest's lead with a glancing header from Anthony Elanga's cross in the 16th minute. Spurs improved as the game progressed with icharlison rewarded their pressure with a powerful header to beat Matz Sels in the 87th to set up a nervy finale. Forest hung on though to move above Chelsea, Manchester City and Newcastle United in the race for a top-five finish with 60 points. Europa League semi-finalists Tottenham are 16th with 37 after an 18th league defeat of the season.