Category: Sport

Source: Radio New Zealand

NRL: NZ Warriors v Parramatta Eels

7.30pm Saturday, 2 May

CommBank Stadium, Sydney

Live blog updates on RNZ

With a bye week looming near on the horizon, the NZ Warriors must beware the ‘banana skin’ risk posed by Parramatta Eels on Saturday.

On paper, the Eels shouldn’t pose much of a threat – they have conceded more points than any other team in the NRL this year at an average of 35 a game.

They sit near the bottom of the ladder, with just three wins from eight games, but their victims include the champion Brisbane Broncos and highly rated Canterbury Bulldogs.

The Warriors could so easily roll into Sydney, believing they were entitled to the two points on offer, before finalising a few days of well-earned rest and relaxation.

Not so, insists fullback Taine Tuaupiki.

“Fish has smashed it into us that we want to happy this bye round,” he said of fearsome captain James Fisher-Harris. “We want to go home, relax and not be upset.

“We just want to send it, whatever it takes to get his one last win and then take a couple of days off, relax and reconnect.”

Coach Andrew Webster is talking up Parramatta’s parochial fanbase, especially at home.

“Them and the Broncos, from an Australian point of view – not us – probably have the greatest followings in the NRL,” Webster said. “They’re hard to beat there.

“I feel like they’re a proud club – they know what they want and they know the direction they’re heading. Even if they don’t have every piece of the puzzle available, they can make you pay.

“This year, they’ve knocked off the Broncos and the ‘Dogs, who are meant to be grand final contenders. They’re a good team and we’ve got to be ready for it.”

Here’s what you need to know about this match-up.

History

Over their 31 years, the Warriors have lost 27 of their 46 meetings with the Eels, including 16 of 23 on the road and seven of their last 10 encounters since 2017.

The biggest win of the rivalry came in 2014, when the Warriors held Parramatta scoreless in a 48-0 walkover at Mt Smart, with English fullback Sam Tomkins scoring two tries and halfback Shaun Johnson perfect (8/8) from the kicking tee.

Parramatta’s biggest margin was 56-12 at home in 2001, with fullback Brett Hodgson and lock Daniel Wagon grabbing two tries each, while lock Wairangi Koopu and five-eighth Motu Tony had tries for the Warriors.

The Eels entered the competition in 1946 and have won four premierships, all during the 1980s (1981, 82, 83, 86), coached by Jack Gibson and featuring league legends like Ray Price, Peter Sterling, Eric Grothe, Steve Ella, Mick Cronin and Brett Kenny.

Nathan Hindmarsh is the club’s most-capped player (330), while Cronin holds the pointscoring record with 1971, across 215 games between 1977-86.

Form

Since losing back-to-back games last month, the Warriors have now gone on a three-game winning tear, beating Melbourne Storm, Gold Coast Titans and the Dolphins.

The euphoria of finally ending their 11-year drought against the Storm has been tempered by Melbourne’s six-game slump, which suggests perhaps this wasn’t the season-defining result it seemed at the time.

Still, after eight rounds, they sit second on the competition table, two points behind Penrith Panthers, and ahead of Wests Tigers, South Sydney Rabbitohs and Sydney Roosters on points differential.

That difference is just four points on Wests and 14 on South, so with the bye looming, the Warriors will want to boost their margin against vulnerable opponents.

They continue to lead the competition in set completion (84 percent) by a full three percentage points from Rabbitohs and Sea Eagles. They have provided more try assists (37) than any other team, despite trailling Panthers in actual tries (47-42), and are ahead in both kicks (173) and kick metres (5313), with halfback Tanah Boyd setting the tone.

Boyd has the most kicks (135) and kick metres (4368), while Dally M-leading front-rower Jackson Ford has amassed 619 post-contact metres to pace that category.

Placed 15th, the Eels have ridden a rollercoaster journey through the season, conceding 50 points to the Storm and Titans, and 48 to the Panthers, but counting the Broncos and Bulldogs among their victims.

They have struggled statistically, leading the league in errors (95) and ineffective tackles (165), and trailling only Newcastle Knights in missed tackles (301).

Individually, their standout performer has been halfback Mitch Moses, who is fourth in kicks (110) and third in kick metres (4119), and his continued health has been a boost to his team.

Teams

Warriors: 1. Taine Tuaupiki, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 4. Adam Pompey, 5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira, 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7. Tanah Boyd, 8. James Fisher-Harris, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Jackson Ford, 11. Leka Halasima, 12. Kurt Capewell, 13. Erin Clark

Interchanges: 14. Sam Healey, 15. Tanner Stowers-Smith, 16. Demitric Vaimauga, 17. Jacob Laban, 18. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, 20. Luke Metcalf

Reserves: 21. Kayliss Fatialofa, 22. Te Maire Martin, 23. Makaia Tafua

With co-captain Mitch Barnett and centre Ali Leiataua both under concussion protocols, Tanner Stowers-Smith will return from a hamstring injury to the interchange, while Adam Pompey walks back into the starting line-up, after serving a dangerous charge suspension.

Star half Luke Metcalf is also named on the bench, after rehabbing a hamstring strain.

Eels: 1. Joash Papalii, 2. Brian Kelly, 3. Will Penisini, 4. Sean Russell, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Ronald Volkman, 7. Mitch Moses, 8. Luca Moretti, 9. Ryley Smith, 10. Junior Paulo, 11. Charlie Guymer, 12. Jack Williams, 13. Jack de Belin

Interchange: 14. Tallyn da Silva, 15. Saxon Pryke, 16. Toni Mataele, 17. Dylan Walker, 18. Kelma Tuilagi, 19. Lorenzo Talataina

Reserves: 20. Jordan Samrani, 21. Teancum Brown, 22. Araz Nanva

Meanwhile, former Warriors Dylan Walker has been named on the Eels bench, despite leaving their loss against Manly early with an arm injury, suffered in a crunching tackle by Sea Eagles second-rower Haumole Olakau’atu.

Another former Warrior, Ronald Volkman, will start at five-eighth, while the line-up also features Auckland-born Junior Paulo and Auckland-raised Kelma Tuilagi.

Player to watch

Any conversation about fastest NRL players historically includes Josh Addo-Carr, but not so much new Warriors recruit Alofiana Khan-Pereira.

Even at 30, ‘The Fox’ still has wheels, but has scored only four tries in his seven outings this season, while ‘Lofi’ has as many from just three games.

They likely won’t line up head-to-head in this encounter, but if one of them breaks into the open field, we may be treated to an elimination race between two of the competition’s swiftest.

Kiwi player to watch

Second-rower Kelma Tuilagi was born in Apia, but grew up in Auckland, where he attended Waitakere College and played his junior footy for Glenora Bears, before moving again to Melbourne.

He has played for the Junior Kiwis, but now has four tests for Samoa, and made his NRL debut for Wests Tigers against the Warriors in 2021.

What will happen

These are the games the Warriors really need to put away early and they’ll do that this time.

Warriors by 20.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

With Super Rugby Pacific competition energised by the success of ‘Super Round’, we head towards the business end of the season.

The Hurricanes continue to set the pace and face a true test of their title credentials, when the Crusaders come to the capital tonight.

The defending champions are still without their most lethal attacking weapon – Will Jordan – but celebrate a milestone for a stalwart of the franchise.

Both teams enjoyed convincing Super Round victories, with the ‘Canes looking to maintain their spot on top of the ladder, still with a match up their sleeve.

Meanwhile, the miserable run for Moana Pasifika continued at Te Kaha and they now head home to Albany to re-ignite their feud with the Blues.

The rivalry has taken on a different energy of late, with the tragic news that Pacific side will fold at the end of the year, turning any resentment from the Blues into empathy.

A unique task awaits the Highlanders, as they head to a soldout Bal to meet dangerous Fijian Drua.

The ‘Landers were unconvincing against Moana Pasifika last weekend and their playoff hopes hang somewhat by a thread that could be severed in Fiji, before tough away games to the Chiefs and Hurricanes.

Selection notes

Crusaders captain David Havili will run out for his 150th match for the franchise, with Ethan Blackadder returning from injury to start at blindside flanker and Leicester Fainga’anuku again packing down on the open side.

The Hurricanes will celebrate a milestone, with Ruben Love playing his 50th, as the tabletoppers change their entire front row for the crucial clash with the Crusaders.

After several weeks on the bench, Folau Fakatava returns to the No.9 jersey for the Highlanders’ trip to Ba, while Jona Nareki is back on the wing.

After his magnificent acrobatic effort at Te Kaha, Moana Pasifika’s Israel Leota earns a start on the wing, with William Havili moving from fullback to first-five.

The Blues have promoted Torian Barnes to blindside flanker, with Sam Nock starting at halfback in Taufa Funaki’s absence. Beauden Barrett will be injected off the bench for the Blues.

Injury ward

Following his nasty collision at Eden Park, Caleb Tangitau has still not fully recovered from his concussion, while fellow Highlander Finn Hurley also remains sidelined with a hamstring complaint.

The Crusaders are missing some firepower out wide with both Jordan and Chay Fihaki not expected back for at least two more weeks.

A number of Blues players are still unavailable, including Funaki, and All Blacks Dalton Papali’i and Ofa Tu’ungafasi.

Moana Pasifika are without Niko Jones, Patrick Pellegrini, Ngani Laumape and Lalomilo Lalomilo, while Hurricanes and All Blacks prop Tyrel Lomax is still a month away.

Key stats

The Crusaders have the best scrum success rate of any team at 97 percent.

Hurricanes flyer Fehi Fineanganofo has scored 11 tries in his last five games.

The Drua have never beaten the Highlanders.

The Highlanders are on a five-game losing streak outside New Zealand.

The Blues one and only defeat to Moana Pasifika came at Albany in 2025.

Moana Pasifika are on a nine-game losing streak against Kiwi sides.

Team lists

Hurricanes v Crusaders

Kickoff 7.05pm, Friday, 1 May

Hnry Stadium, Wellington

Live blog updates on RNZ

Hurricanes: 1. Xavier Numia 2. Asafo Aumua 3. Pasilio Tosi 4. Caleb Delany 5. Warner Dearns 6. Brayden Iose 7. Du’Plessis Kirifi (co-c) 8. Peter Lakai 9. Cam Roigard 10. Ruben Love 11. Fehi Fineanganofo 12. Jordie Barrett (co-c) 13. Billy Proctor 14. Josh Moorby 15. Callum Harkin.

Bench: Raymond Tuputupu, Siale Lauaki, Tevita Mafileo, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Brad Shields, Devan Flanders, Ereatara Enari, Jone Rova

“We’re looking forward to testing ourselves against last year’s champions.”

Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw

Crusaders: 1. George Bower 2. Codie Taylor 3. Fletcher Newell 4. Antonio Shalfoon 5. Tahlor Cahill 6. Ethan Blackadder 7. Leicester Fainga’anuku 8. Christian Lio-Willie 9. Noah Hotham 10. Taha Kemara 11. Macca Springer 12. David Havili (c) 13. Braydon Ennor 14. Dallas McLeod 15. Johnny McNicholl

Bench: George Bell, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Seb Calder, Jamie Hannah, Dom Gardiner, Kyle Preston, Johnny Lee, Rivez Reihana.

“They look really free and unburdened. They’ve had a group together for a few years now and it’s all starting to come together. It’s a really good challenge for us.”

Crusaders coach Rob Penney

Drua v Highlanders

Kickoff 4pm, Saturday, 2 May

Four R Stadium, Ba

Live blog updates on RNZ

Highlanders: 1. Ethan de Groot (co-c) 2. Jack Taylor 3. Angus Ta’avao 4. Oliver Haig 5. Mitch Dunshea 6. Te Kamaka Howden 7. Veveni Lasaqa 8. Nikora Broughton 9. Folau Fakatava 10. Cameron Millar 11. Jona Nareki 12. Timoci Tavatavanawai (cc) 13. Tanielu Tele’a 14. Jonah Lowe 15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens.

Bench: Soane Vikena, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma’u, Sean Withy, Lucas Casey, Adam Lennox, Taine Robinson, Xavier Tito-Harris.

“It’s hard to win in Fiji. It’s a difficult challenge, but at the end of the day, it’s a game of rugby, it’s towards the end of the season and it’s a must win for us.”

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph

Moana Pasifika v Blues

Kickoff 7.05pm, Saturday, 2 May

North Harbour Stadium, Auckland

Live blog updates on RNZ

Moana Pasifika: 1. Malakai Hala-Ngatai 2. Millenium Sanerivi 3. Atu Moli 4. Allan Craig 5. Jimmy Tupou 6. Miracle Faiilagi (c) 7. Semisi Paea 8. Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa 9. Jonathan Taumateine 10. William Havili 11. Tuna Tuitama 12. Tevita Latu 13. Solomon Alaimalo 14. Israel Leota 15. Glen Vaihu.

Bench: Mamoru Harada, Abraham Pole, Chris Apoua, Veikoso Poloniati, Dominic Ropeti, Augustine Pulu, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Tyler Pulini.

“There’s a rivalry there, but at the end of the day, when we go out on the field, we’re trying to bash each other up and win. After that, it’s all love between us.”

Moana Pasifika fullback William Havili

Blues: 1. Ben Ake 2. Kurt Eklund 3. Marcel Renata 4. Patrick Tuipulotu (c) 5. Sam Darry 6. Torian Barnes 7. Anton Segner 8. Hoskins Sotutu 9. Sam Nock 10. Stephen Perofeta 11. Caleb Clarke 12. Pita Ahki 13. Xavi Taele 14. Kade Banks 15. Zarn Sullivan.

Bench: James Mullan, Mason Tupaea, Flyn Yates, Josh Beehre, Terrell Peita, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, AJ Lam.

“Moana Pasifika are a dangerous side, when they get momentum. They’re physical, they offload well and they’ll test us, if we’re not accurate.”

Blues coach Vern Cotter

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Source: Radio New Zealand

NRL club the Melbourne Storm have revealed head coach Craig Bellamy has been diagnosed with a form of neurodegenerative disorder.

In a statement on its website, the Storm said Bellamy had been undergoing a series of tests in recent week and receiving the best possible medical treatment.

But specialists had advised his diagnosis would not have an impact on his ability to coach the team in the immediate future.

“Despite our recent results, I firmly believe Craig is still coaching at an elite level and I have no doubt he is the right person to drive the Club forward,” said chairman Matt Tripp.

“Craig has the full support of the board, players, coaches, and staff to continue leading the club as he has done for the last 24 seasons.”

Bellamy, 66. had been the coach of the Storm since 2003, winning premierships in 2012, 2017 and 2020.

He had an outstanding record, winning 424 of the 614 games (69 percent) that he had been in charge of the team.

But 2026 has been an uncharacteristically poor one for the Storm so far. They have lost their last six games in a row, some by big margins, and currently sit second-to-last on the ladder.

They last missed the NRL playoffs in 2010, the year they were stripped of all their competition points due to salary cap breaches.

The Storm said given the private nature of the diagnosis, Bellamy and the club would be making no further comment on the matter.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

The NZ men’s Black Sox have secured their place in the ‘Super Round’ at the U23 Softball World Cup at Sincelejo, Colombia, after an 8-4 win over Czechia in their final opening round match.

The game was a must-win, after their first loss of the tournament to Japan on Wednesday (NZT), with a top seeding spot on the line.

The World Cup brings together some of the best young softball talent in the world, with some players already part of senior national programmes. New Zealand came into the tournament as one of the stronger sides in Group A, alongside Japan and Argentina.

Running from 25 April-3 May, the tournament features 12 teams split across two groups, with the top two sides progressing through to the Super Round and medal games.

Sincelejo has drawn strong crowds throughout the week, with close to 15,000 fans packing into the stadium each day. The U23 Black Sox have become fan favourites, with their pre-game haka gaining traction across social media and local coverage.

They made a strong start against Czechia, putting five runs on the board in the second inning, through disciplined hitting and aggressive base-running.

Auckland’s Ryan Early got things going with a stand-up double to centrefield, scoring Olly Smith. The Kiwis continued to build pressure, with outfielders Max Russell and Leon Lumb both crossing the plate.

Catcher Zahr Shaw-Wallace then came up with a key hit through the infield, bringing in two more runs to extend the lead to 5-0.

Czechia responded with a solo home run to Tadeas Tylich, but the Black Sox stayed in control.

Wellington pitcher Jayden Harris started on the mound for New Zealand, holding the Czech line-up to only one earned run.

Tane Mumu added another run in the fourth with a run-batted-in single to push the lead out to 6-1.

A pitching change in the fifth inning saw designated player Traye Wildbore on the mound. Czechia fought back, putting together a strong inning with a mix of timely hitting and pressure on the bases.

They closed the gap to 6-4 and briefly swung momentum their way.

However, New Zealand answered straight away. Early and Russell both picked up doubles, with Russell’s shot to the outfield fence bringing in another run.

Later in the inning, Wildbore batted in another run to extend the lead to 8-4.

Cantabrian pitcher Liam Potts closed out the game, linking up with younger brother Jayden behind the plate. The pair shut down Czechia in the final inning to secure the win.

The result confirmed New Zealand’s place in the Super Round, where they will join an unbeaten Australia side, along with Mexico, Venezuela, Japan and Czechia.

Super Round – how does it work?

The top three teams from each group (A and B) progress through and play the top three teams from the opposite group.

New Zealand will face Australia, Mexico and Venezuela in the next stage.

Results from the Opening Round carry over into the Super Round standings, making every game count.

At the start of the Super Round, Australia and Japan lead with a 2-0 record, followed by Mexico and New Zealand at 1-1. Czechia and Venezuela enter at 0-2.

New Zealand will begin their Super Round campaign on Friday against Mexico at 8am NZT, then Australia at 8am Saturday NZT and Venezuela at 11am Sunday NZT.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

Auckland FC’s season is on the line this Saturday – and their patchy home form means survival is far from certain.

Win the A-League Elimination Final against Melbourne City at Go Media Stadium and Auckland will progress to the two-legged semi-finals against Adelaide United. A loss will end their second season in the league in disappointment.

From 13 home games this season Auckland have won five, drawn four and lost four.

A fortnight ago Auckland coach Steve Corica signposted home form “could be crucial in the finals”.

At the time Corica would not have known just how important another win in front of their supporter group would end up being.

Results in the final round of the regular season, away to Sydney FC, meant Auckland are back at their homeground a couple of weeks sooner than they wanted to be.

Going into the last round Auckland could have finished second and had a guaranteed semi-final appearance for the second season in a row, as well as a week off. Instead the team dropped out of contention for direct entry to the semi-finals and have to back up with an undermanned squad in a one-off game against sixth placed finishers Melbourne City.

The last time Auckland won at home was 28 February – against City.

Across the 12-team competition Auckland finished the regular season in third place but in the standings for home form were ranked fifth.

City’s road form has seen the side win four games, draw six and lose three.

However, the last two times City were in Auckland, in February and before that January last season, the visitors lost 3-0.

City coach Aurelio Vidmar was aware of the record.

“It’s not a place we’ve done well over our last two visits there, but it’s a final, obviously they’re going to have a fair crowd behind them but anything can happen and we just have to go there with the sleeves rolled up and ready to compete for every single ball that’s the kind of game it’s going to be,” he said of Saturday’s clash.

Auckland could have a psychological advantage, but Corica said both teams would feel the pressure.

“For us, it’s just about maintaining focus.

“It’s a big match. Obviously, there’s going to be pressure on the players but it’s how they deal with that pressure and they don’t get too overwhelmed with it.

“Being excited is great, but having a calm head when the pressure is on to finish the job is going to be vital.”

It has been five games since Auckland last won but finals football was the backs against the wall situation that forward Guillermo May said he wanted to be involved in.

“I’m the type of player that came here to play this type of game,” the Uruguayan said.

“The stats are not going to give us a victory or a defeat, so I don’t care what happened before.

“Sometimes, because you have to play different, playing at home than away, you have to be responsible for the game, you have to lead the game.

“Maybe most of the teams come and play on their own half, so we need to understand that and play better with the ball.”

Some of May’s team mates had been confident that Auckland would finish in the top two but he was not shocked with where they finished the regular season.

“I was expecting something difficult.

“When you don’t perform as good as you have to, the luck is not going to be with you.

“I was expecting that, but it’s no more than preparing one more game and winning it.

“It’s going to give us an extra feeling of pride at the end.”

Corica also wanted a feeling of pride with his team’s fighting spirit in the must-win game that could define their season.

“They’re a really good team, we’ve got to respect that,” he said of City.

“Whether we win after 90 minutes or we have to go all the way and we go to penalties, the aim is to come out of that game and that we’re going to be playing against Adelaide the week after.”

Last season Auckland’s homeground was a fortress and their home form was a significant part of a record-breaking season.

But it was also the place where their inaugural season ended when they could not win the second leg of the 2024/25 semi-finals against Melbourne Victory.

Saturday is a chance to change the narrative around must-win games at home. If Auckland win against City they would get one more home game this season as part of the home and away semi-finals.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

The Hurricanes are no longer just building – they’re calculating.

With a top-two finish within reach, coach Clark Laidlaw has started “daydreaming” about home playoff advantage as the finals picture begins to take shape.

Second on the table and level on points with the Chiefs, the Hurricanes have won seven of their nine games and are chasing their first Super Rugby title since 2016.

“Another couple of wins we’d be guaranteed quarterfinals,” Laidlaw said.

“We definitely daydream and talk as coaches around trying to chase that home playoff in particular, a quarter. It’d be nice to finish top two, obviously. We’ve put ourselves in a position that if we keep winning, then we’re going to stay there.”

Laidlaw knows there are still plenty of challenges ahead of his side, but he’s happy with how they’re placed with five matches left to play.

“We’ve got plenty of games to come and plenty of opportunities for teams in and around us to beat us and jump up the table, starting with the Crusaders.

“We’re very realistic that it’s day by day and week to week. We’ve put ourselves in a position that we can control that and dictate that, so that’s what we’ll try and do.”

The fourth-placed Crusaders have had a mixed season with five wins from 10 games, but they have started to get a few key players back from injury and are coming off a 15-point victory over the Waratahs in last weekend’s Super Round in Christchurch.

Laidlaw said the Hurricanes are preparing to face the Crusaders “best” side on Friday night in Wellington.

“I’d be highly surprised if they played poorly against us up here,” Laidlaw said.

“They’re a good side, they’ve proven that for a long time and nothing’s changed, has it? They’ve had a few dings this year, but looks like they’re getting a few soldiers back. We’re expecting a tough battle on the weekend.”

All Blacks midfielder/wing Leicester Faiga’anuku will again pack down at openside flanker for the Crusaders after making a surprise start last weekend in the loose forwards.

He was influential in the win over the Waratahs. He scored a try, made nine tackles and had 16 carries for 39 metres made.

Laidlaw said he wasn’t shocked to see Fainga’anuku at flanker and believes he’s equally dangerous in the forwards or backs.

“His role didn’t change hugely. When he plays seven, yep, he’s on a scrum, but playing on the edge, defending on the edge, picking and going when it’s right. He’s been doing that all season, whether he’s had 13 or seven on his back.”

Laidlaw said the selection won’t change how they prepare to face Faiga’anuku.

“I’m not surprised they’re continuing with that thought because he basically gives you another back in around the loose and if they go shorter lineouts then it gives you an extra ball player and with his power he gives them a real threat.

“We’re well aware of that but we genuinely felt whether he was at 13, wing or seven it’d be kind of the same problem.”

The Hurricanes are coming off a big win over the Brumbies, a side they often find tough to beat, but Laidlaw believes the 45-12 scoreline flattered his side.

“When we were watching the game, we felt like they let us off the hook a couple of times in the first half…It could have been a different game.”

“We certainly didn’t get carried away around the win, but it was nice to get a bonus point, it was nice to get some guys off the field and some reserves on early.”

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Source: Radio New Zealand

Three-time Paralympic gold medallist Anna Grimaldi has been selected for her first Commonwealth Games.

The Dunedin athlete has been selected to compete in the women’s 100m T47 in Glasgow, with more athletics athletes set to be confirmed in the coming months.

She said having her classification included in the Commonwealth Games for the first time was an exciting prospect.

“The Commonwealth Games has always been something I’ve wanted to experience. I’ve heard a lot about the Games from fellow athletes and I’m looking forward to getting over to Glasgow and competing,” said Grimaldi.

The Paris 2024 Paralympic gold medallist said competing as part of a fully integrated New Zealand Team was something she was looking forward to.

“There’s something really special about being part of a team where Para athletes and able-bodied athletes compete together. It creates an environment where everyone is pushing for the same goal and supporting each other.”

Grimaldi will continue to train in Dunedin until mid-June before heading to Europe for some competition before the games in July.

She won gold medals in the long jump at the 2016 and 2020 Paralympic Games and gold in the 200m and bronze in the 100m at the 2024 Paralympics.

Grimaldi was born without her right hand.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

Netball New Zealand has appointed one of the country’s most experienced governance leaders as its new board chair as the organisation looks to set a new direction after a turbulent period for the sport.

Alastair Carruthers CNZM is replacing Matt Whineray, who announced in February he would be stepping down, along with three other board members after a “challenging period for the sport”.

Last year the organisation struggled to secure a broadcast deal for the ANZ Premiership, the sport’s domestic showpiece.

In September one of the most damaging periods for the sport was set in motion when Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua was suspended due to concerns raised from players about the high performance environment.

Taurua was eventually reinstated, but calls for ‘heads to roll’ at Netball NZ came from many quarters of the netball community.

Jane Patterson was hired as interim chief executive, following Jennie Wyllie’s decision to step down as head in December 2025 after nine years in the job.

A statement from Netball New Zealand said Carruthers brings a “distinguished record of governance and leadership across New Zealand’s legal, commercial, media, arts and public sectors.”

His most recent high profile job was serving as chair of TVNZ, a role he stepped down early from in October last year.

He has also served as chair of the NZ Film Commission, chair of the NZ Arts Council, and Chief Executive of two of New Zealand’s leading commercial law firms, Chapman Tripp and Kensington Swan (now Dentons).

Carruthers, who has been appointed for a three year term, said he was looking forward to supporting and growing netball in New Zealand.

“Netball has been treasured by generations of girls, women and New Zealanders for over 100 years,” Carruthers said. “I love the game and it’s a privilege to step into this next phase of stewardship and development, amid a period of great change, challenge and opportunity across the sporting landscape.”

The search process attracted more than 80 applications for independent director roles on the Netball New Zealand Board. He joins the board alongside former Silver Fern Anna Galvan, who was recently elected to replace former Silver Fern Julie Coney, who chose not to seek re-election.

The pair will join elected NNZ board members Sue Gordon and Lynette Rayner.

Carruthers will also oversee the appointment of a permanent CEO.

RNZ understands that Netball NZ is already conducting a second round of interviews for short-listed candidates and Carruthers has been involved in that.

It is understood that interim CEO Jane Patterson has not applied for the position.

Carruthers will also join the board appointments panel to fill the three remaining independent director vacancies.

The organisation is still searching for replacements for Pavan Vyas, Stephen Cottrell and Aliesha Staples, who stepped down alongside Whineray in February.

NNZ President Dr Tina Karaitiana said the organisation was thrilled to have Carruthers and Galvan join the board.

“Alastair brings a wealth of experience to this role, while Anna has been part of our netball whānau for more than 40 years,” said Karaitiana. “This is a huge win for New Zealand’s netball community.”

Carruthers, who is also chair of the Cornwall Park Trust Board and a director of several commercial and public entities, officially begins the role mid-May.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

The New Zealand Rugby boss insists the game is in good health.

While fans continue to flock to Warriors’ NRL games, the general supporter response to Super Rugby games has been poor. Although, the new Christchurch Te Kaha Stadium was sold out for the Super Round last weekend.

“It’s in good health,” NZR interim CEO Steve Lancaster told Morning Report. “We tend to get trapped in this cycle of quite a negative narrative about the game.”

“As New Zealanders and particularly people that care about the game, we hold ourselves to a really high bar in terms of what we expect of the game, so we tend to feel the things that aren’t right in the game.”

Lancaster said they do face challenges recruiting and retaining players, but he believes the code isn’t struggling. He said the reality is that things are very good.

“We’ve got strong direction at a national level through a new board and we have sound investment through our provincial union network into the community game.”

He does acknowledge they have some issues.

“We know there are some challenges around junior participation, we know there are challenges around the perception of risk and injury, but we’re not sitting idly by, we’re working very hard on addressing them.”

Lancaster said facts show that rugby is a safe game for youngsters.

“A child would have to play 750 games to be likely to suffer a concussion, it is a safe game at junior level.

“We know from ACC data that a child is more likely to suffer a bone fracture or sprain in the playground at school than they are playing rugby … but that is not the perception.”

Some sections of the media said despite a great turnout in Christchurch last weekend, there were many issues still hanging over the game that a bumper weekend couldn’t mask.

Lancaster said he came away from the Super Rugby in Christchurch feeling very positive about the game.

“Three sellout days show that when you get the product mix and the venue mix right, then people will come and they will love it.”

Bill McCormick, the general manager of Papatoetoe Rugby Club, told RNZ that he believes South Auckland rugby clubs are almost on “life-support” due to decreasing player numbers, with rugby league the biggest threat.

McCormick said they were down about 25 percent with junior numbers and about the same with adult numbers.

Lancaster said they’re not seeing that (trend) across Auckland with the likes of the Ōtāhuhu Rugby Club are up 50 percent on junior registrations and Manukau up 30 percent.

“We have over 470 rugby clubs nation-wide and there will always be clubs having challenges but there are clubs that are really thriving at a junior level.”

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

Incoming New Zealand Cricket chief executive Geoff Allott has no doubt that India is the future for the game.

Allott was this week confirmed in the top job for the national body, replacing Scott Weenink.

Allott played 10 Tests and 31 one day internationals for New Zealand between 1996 and 2000.

Since then his business endeavours have included the export of New Zealand goods to India.

India is one of the biggest economies in the world with Allott expecting the country to be the third largest by 2030.

“In my opinion that is where the focus will be for the world in the next decade or five,” Allott told First Up.

He said the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) were both very conscious that this doesn’t become a two or three team venture and that all member countries were supported.

But he has no doubt of the importance of India.

“Cricket in India provides a massive opportunity, not only for global cricket, but for New Zealand Cricket as well.”

Allott said a relationship with India was key.

“India is ironically not a transactional place; it is very much a relationship-based country so you do the mahi over there, you get the treats. That means you invest time, you invest energy, you build relationships and rapport and respect and then you’ll get the benefits.”

Allott said New Zealand players had already benefited from playing in the Indian Premier League.

“Our men and women are now rubbing shoulders with the best players in the world and getting amazing coaching and they get to play in sub-continent conditions that cost us a half a million dollars to tour every year.

“These are things that are now being paid for by the IPL and other professional leagues. Our players then get to bring that back and when they pull on the fern they are representing us with enormous skill.

“There is a balance obviously and cricket as it evolves through professionalism is working through that, but it is actually an incredibly exciting opportunity.”

Allott officially starts as chief executive of New Zealand Cricket on 1 July.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand