Category: Sport

Source: Radio New Zealand

For the next 11 days, Raglan is set to shift from laid-back surf town to the centre stage of world surfing.

The World Surf League arrives at Manu Bay on Friday, marking the first time New Zealand has hosted a combined men’s and women’s Championship Tour event.

The world’s best surfers, global media crews, sponsors, influencers and fans have descended on Whāingaroa as the usually quiet coastal community takes on a festival atmosphere.

Crowds of up to 7000 are expected to gather along headlands and the shoreline to watch elite surfers tackle one of the most famous left-hand breaks in the world.

Who are the big names to look out for?

Brazil continues to dominate the men’s Championship Tour, with a core group of surfers setting the pace in recent seasons.

Gabriel Medina is an Olympic and three-time world champion known for his powerful, precise surfing and ability to deliver under pressure in high-stakes heats.

Italo Ferreira, surfing’s first Olympic gold medallist at the Tokyo Games, brings explosive energy and a fast, dynamic approach that can quickly swing a heat.

Yago Dora represents the progressive edge of the tour, with aerial manoeuvres and high-risk, high-reward surfing that can produce huge scores.

In the women’s field, Australia’s strength is clear.

Stephanie Gilmore, an eight-time world champion, remains one of the most accomplished competitors in the sport, known for her smooth, controlled and highly refined style. Alongside her, Molly Picklum has emerged as one of the tour’s rising forces, combining modern power surfing with growing competitive consistency.

What about the local hopes?

New Zealand’s challenge is led by Billy Stairmand, the country’s most experienced competitor and a proven performer in powerful left-hand waves like Manu Bay. He will carry much of the home expectation in familiar conditions.

Wildcard Tom Butland adds a free-swinging X-factor, entering the Championship Tour with local knowledge and nothing to lose.

Fifteen-year-old wildcard Alani Morse is one of the youngest surfers in the field, earning her place after winning a qualifying event in Raglan. A homegrown talent from Whāingaroa, she arrives with strong local backing and a rapid rise through the New Zealand junior ranks, now stepping onto surfing’s biggest stage.

What’s special about Raglan as a venue?

The competition will be centred on Manu Bay, one of the country’s most famous breaks and a long, perfectly formed left-hander that peels along a volcanic reef. Its combination of consistency, ride length and natural amphitheatre viewing makes it a rare venue capable of hosting Championship Tour surfing.

How does the competition work?

Competitive surfing is basically a knockout tournament held in the ocean, where athletes compete in timed “heats” and try to catch the best waves available during that window.

On the championship tour, the opening and elimination rounds typically feature heats with three surfers, the top two advancing. From then on it’s one-on-one until the trophies are given out.

Heats are around 20-30 minutes long, and during that time surfers can ride as many waves as they like, but only their best two are counted toward their score.

Each wave is scored out of 10, and the two highest-scoring waves are combined. For example, a surfer scoring 8.5 and 7.0 would have a total of 15.5. Surfers with the highest combined scores advance to the next round.

How does the judging work?

There are no goals, laps or finish lines-just waves. Judges score each ride out of 10 based on factors including speed, power, flow, difficulty, variety of manoeuvres and degree of risk.

The emphasis is on the quality and progression of performance rather than simple completion.

Why can’t I find a schedule online?

There is no fixed schedule for the event. Surfing is one of the few professional sports dictated entirely by nature and it can be a waiting game.

As a result, the event runs within a flexible window rather than on fixed competition days, with organisers choosing when to run heats based on swell, wind and tide conditions. The Raglan event is set down from 15-25 May, with the competition expected to be held over four to six days within this 11-day window. Organisers will make “daily status calls” each morning to determine if conditions are suitable to run the heats that day.

Can you talk me through some of the lingo?

Surfing comes with its own shorthand.

A “set” refers to a group of waves arriving together, often the most valuable scoring opportunities in a heat. “Priority” determines who has the right of way to choose or take the next wave.

A “barrel” or “tube” describes the hollow section of a breaking wave that surfers aim to ride inside.

“Drop-in” is when a surfer takes off on a wave already being ridden by someone else – usually a penalty-inducing mistake.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

For the first time in her career, CJ Bott has had to learn how to lead without crossing the white line.

The Wellington Phoenix captain has spent much of the club’s breakthrough A-League season watching from the sidelines, since her https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/584796/phoenix-captain-cj-bott-announces-pregnancy pregnancy announcement] i January.

There was never any chance she would miss Saturday’s grand final against Melbourne City at AAMI Park though.

“I’m definitely travelling,” Bott said. “You wouldn’t be able to hold me at home just yet.

“I’ve still got a few more weeks until I’m medically unable to travel, so I’m making the most of it. I’ll be there with bells and whistles, and I’ll lose my voice screaming on the sidelines.”

Bott played seven matches at the start of the season, before stepping away from playing duties, remaining involved with the squad in an off-field leadership role, as the Phoenix surged to the first grand final in the team’s five-year history.

She described her second season with the Phoenix was “definitely a different season”.

“It started off well, being on the field, and then having to take a step back, because of the pregnancy, it took a little bit to get used to and was a tough pill to swallow in many ways, because all I want to do is be out there and doing my part with the team.

“I think as the season’s progressed, and our new signings have stepped up and really embraced their roles, and the rest of the girls have also stepped up, they’ve done such an incredible job.

“I mean, there’s been some nailbiting moments of the season, but overall, they’ve done incredibly well and I’m just so proud of how they’ve handled the season.”

Coach Bev Priestman was determined to keep Bott closely involved this season, because of her leadership and experience within the group.

“It did take a little while to see where I best fit into that role, because I wanted to give [Mackenzie Barry] the time and the space and the energy and support to do her role as captain as well.

“It’s taken a bit of adjustment, but I think now I’ve figured out where I’m best fitted, and I really just try and support the girls in whatever way and whatever capacity they need me.”

Defender Emma Pijnenburg, who replaced Bott in the squad, said the Football Ferns international remained an influential figure within the team.

“She just has this aura and, when she speaks in the circle, everybody is hanging on to every word,” Pijnenburg said. “She has a lot of experience as well, a senior player in the team, and she brings a lot to the team, whether she is on the field or not,” .

The Phoenix finished the season in second place and came from behind to win the two-legged semifinal against Brisbane Roar to secure the grand final match-up, but Bott said it was not all plain sailing to get to the pinnacle game of the season.

“I don’t think it’s a shock, given the team we had at the start of the season, but based on all our injuries and unfortunate events that have occurred during the season, it is somewhat of a surprise that we’ve somehow managed to keep our heads above water and still perform, given all the difficulties this team’s been through.

“The season has been so important towards the development of women’s football in this country, in this city specifically, and I’m so excited to see what can happen in the weekend.”

Watching from the sidelines has not come naturally to Bott.

“I hate it,” she said. “It is so hard just sitting there and not being able to do anything, but I’ve had to embrace it.

“I’ve got no other choice in the matter and the girls need me no matter what. I’ve just had to bite my nails quietly and just be their biggest cheerleader.”

Bott arrived at her hometown club last season, after eight years playing professionally in Germany, Sweden, Norway and England, and was surprised by the level of professionalism at the Phoenix.

“I didn’t quite know what to expect coming in,” she said. “I knew they had access to world-class facilities, but I think that’s one thing, having the backing from the wider club and having the staff involved.

“Our staff are incredible, they are probably some of the most professional staff I’ve ever had.

“Besides the fact that a lot of our girls have to, unfortunately, work two jobs, it is the most professional environment I’ve probably been a part of and it’s the most enjoyable environment I’ve been a part of in a long, long time.”

Bott is off contract at the end of this season and definitely has plans to return to football in the future, and “absolutely” would like that to be with the Phoenix.

Before she can think about her playing future, she will have to handle a few more “nervewracking” moments in the stands, as the Phoenix women play for the club’s first piece of silverware.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

All Whites forward Kosta Barbarouses knows the heartbreak of missing out on a Football World Cup squad, and now the happiness and relief of finally making it 16 years later.

Barbarouses has “no regrets” about his football journey, that has wound from Wellington to Western Sydney, including stops in Greece and Russia, and five different A-League clubs.

Now, his inclusion in coach Darren Bazeley’s 26-man squad for next month’s Football World Cup is reward for that persistence.

Barbarouses came agonisingly close to selection for the All Whites’ 2010 World Cup squad – so close that his boot sponsor had already prepared personalised World Cup boots, before then-coach Ricki Herbert finalised his team.

“I’ve even got the World Cup boots from Nike, personalised as well, and I never went,” the 36-year-old said. “I’ve still got those as an heirloom.”

This year’s version of the boots will mean even more to Barbarouses, who heard about his call-up for the tournament in North America while on school pick-up duty.

“I haven’t seen them yet, but now instead of my name, I’ve got my kids’ names on them, so I’m excited for those.”

Barbarouses described his club season with A-League wooden-spooners Western Sydney Wanderers as “disappointing”, but he never doubted his value to the national team.

“I always knew I was doing well for the national team, but obviously, you want to do well week to week and, honestly, I have been very disappointed.”

Barbarouses said the March window, when the All Whites played Finland and Chile in the FIA Series in Auckland, was crucial to pushing his case for a place in the World Cup squad. That period co-incided with him losing his starting role at club level.

“I’ll give myself a little bit of credit that I was able to stay professional and stay fit, and perform like I did in the March window,” he said. “I think that helped give [Bazeley] and probably the staff a lot of trust in me.”

After the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, the All Whites fell short of qualification three straight times – with Barbarouses part of each failed campaign. The forward has played 31 World Cup qualifiers dating back to 2008.

“Being selected in the final squad feels great, to be honest, and it’s been a long and exciting four years full of ups and downs, and almost there now.”

Having booked his ticket, Barbarouses wants to get on the park, when the All Whites play Iran, Egypt and Belgium during the group stage.

With an injury to captain and leading goalscorer Chris Wood this year, Barbarouses has shared a role up front with Ben Waine.

“I would like to think I’m ready to play and I want as much of a playing role as possible, as I think everyone would.

“I think, even the past couple of windows, it’s clear to see that I’m well and truly up to it, and up for it as well.

“I’d love to see – like everyone in our country would – Chris Wood be there and scoring the goals for us, and I’ll be ready to support him and the team, whether that’s starting, coming on for 45 minutes, 10 minutes, five minutes.

“I’ll be ready and I’ll be ready to perform.”

For the 26 players selected, there has been celebrations.

Barbarouses’ family at the Strathmore fish and chip shop in Wellington were the first people he called with the news.

“Obviously, mum, dad, brothers, aunties, uncles, everyone’s just ecstatic.

“They know how hard I work, as do all of the boys, but they’ve seen my journey firsthand, so they’re very proud and excited for what’s to come in the next six weeks.”

While some players celebrated, others were left devastated.

Like Barbarouses in 2010, former Wellington Phoenix teammate Bill Tuiloma narrowly missed out on selection.

Tuiloma returned to New Zealand from US Major League Soccer in an attempt to secure more playing time and impress Bazeley, but ultimately fell short.

When Alex Rufer, Sarpreet Singh and Tim Payne had finished their face-to-face conversations with Bazeley on Wednesday, they knew they were capping off a tough club season with the Phoenix with something bigger to look forward to, but they were also “hurting” for Tuiloma.

“Unfortunately, Bill was left out,” Rufer said. “Bill is a very, very good player and an extremely strong person.

“We spent some time with him and it’s normal you’re going to be hurting when you don’t make the team, but I think he’s in a good headspace, and he’s still going to train and keep ticking over, because anything can happen.

“He’ll most likely be over in America, back home with his family and who knows? He’s still got that mentality to keep ticking over, and make sure that he’s ready and available, if need be.”

The All Whites can make changes to their squad before the tournament, should any injuries occur.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

The Aussies have well and truly fallen off the Super Rugby Pacific pace.

After threatening to emulate the glory days of ACT Brumbies in the early rounds, the men from Canberra have collapsed dramatically, leaving the top four firmly in Kiwi hands.

Queensland Reds appear the only other genuine contenders from across the ditch, but couldn’t cash in at home against the Chiefs last week, leaving them to round out the top six.

The Hurricanes have kicked clear at the top, five points ahead of the second-placed Chiefs. The Blues and Crusaders both appear locked for the post-season.

The Highlanders need a miracle, if they are to progress to the playoffs, needing to beat both the Chiefs and Hurricanes to give themselves any chance.

A pair of cracking derbies headline this weekend’s round, with the Blues hosting the Hurricanes, while the Highlanders head to Hamilton to meet the Chiefs.

Both Moana Pasifika and the Crusaders have the week off.

Selection notes

Beauden Barrett returns to the Blues’ starting first-five jersey for his side’s crucial clash with the ‘Canes.

Anton Segner replaces Dalton Papali’i, who fractured his jaw against the Crusaders, while Xavi Taele also gets the start in the Blues midfield.

After mauling Moana Pasifika, the Hurricanes have made eight changes to the starting line-up, with Caleb Delany notching up his 50th game.

For the Chiefs, Damian McKenzie moves to fullback, while in-form Quinn Tupaea gets a rest, as Lalakai Foketi takes his place at second five.

The only change to the Highlanders line-up comes at centre, where Tanielu Tele’a replaces the suspended Jona Nareki.

Injury ward

Hurricanes workhorse Du’Plessis Kirifi is missing for the week with a knee injury, while Cam Roigard will remain sidelined for at least another two weeks with a calf complaint.

Chiefs lock Josh Lord is out with concussion, while the side’s back stocks are depleted, with Emoni Narawa, Leroy Carter and Etene Nanai-Seturo all missing from action.

Props Ben Ake and Sam Matega are both out for the Blues.

Finn Hurley is still unavailable for the Highlanders, due to a hamstring.

Key stats

The Chiefs are one away from their 250th Super Rugby win, a number matched only by the Crusaders, Brumbies and Hurricanes.

Hurricanes flyer Fehi Fineanganofo needs one more try to equal Ben Lam and Joe Roff’s season record of 16.

The Blues have won their last five against the Hurricanes at Eden Park.

Highlanders fullback Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens leads the competition with 10 try assists.

The Chiefs average the most metres this season with 529 per game.

Chiefs v Highlanders

Kickoff 7.05pm, Friday, 15 May

FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton

Live blog updates on RNZ

Chiefs: 1. Ollie Norris, 2. Samisoni Taukei’aho, 3. Sione Ahio, 4. Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 5. Tupou Vaa’i (vc), 6. Simon Parker, 7. Luke Jacobson (c), 8. Wallace Sititi, 9. Xavier Roe, 10. Josh Jacomb, 11. Kyren Taumoefolau, 12. Lalakai Foketi, 13. Kyle Brown, 14. Liam Coombes-Fabling, 15. Damian McKenzie

Bench: 16. Brodie McAlister, 17. Benét Kumeroa, 18. George Dyer, 19. Fiti Sa, 20. Samipeni Finau, 21. Cortez Ratima, 22. Daniel Rona, 23. Isaac Hutchinson

“It will be important this week against a very combative Highlanders defence that we can shift the point of attack quickly and effectively. We had a tough battle against them in round two and are preparing for more of the same this week at home.”

Chiefs coach Jonno Gibbes

Highlanders: 1. Ethan de Groot (cc), 2. Jack Taylor, 3. Angus Ta’avao, 4. Tomás Lavanini, 5. Mitch Dunshea, 6. Te Kamaka Howden, 7. Lucas Casey, 8. Nikora Broughton, 9. Adam Lennox, 10. Cameron Millar, 11. Jonah Lowe, 12. Timoci Tavatavanawai (cc), 13. Tanielu Tele’a, 14. Caleb Tangitau, 15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

Bench: 16. Henry Bell, 17. Daniel Lienert-Brown, 18. Saula Ma’u, 19. Oliver Haig, 20. Sean Withy, 21. Veveni Lasaqa, 22. Folau Fakatava, 23. Taine Robinson

“It’s hard to get wins, and so when you get those real tight ones and let them slip, it really hurts you at this end of the season.”

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph

Blues v Hurricanes

Kickoff 7.05pm, Saturday, 16 May

Eden Park, Auckland

Live blog updates on RNZ

Blues: 1. Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 2. Bradley Slater, 3. Marcel Renata, 4. Patrick Tuipulotu (c), 5. Sam Darry, 6. Malachi Wrampling, 7. Anton Segner, 8. Hoskins Sotutu, 9. Sam Nock, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Caleb Clarke, 12. Pita Ahki, 13. Xavi Taele, 14. AJ Lam, 15. Zarn Sullivan

Bench: 16. Kurt Eklund, 17. Mason Tupaea, 18. Flyn Yates, 19. Laghlan McWhannell, 20. Torian Barnes, 21. Che Clark, 22. Finlay Christie, 23. Stephen Perofeta

“The Hurricanes are in top form, so we know the challenge in front of us, and the focus is on delivering an accurate, physical performance.”

Blues coach Vern Cotter

Hurricanes: 1. Xavier Numia, 2. Asafo Aumua, 3. Pasilio Tosi, 4. Caleb Delany, 5. Warner Dearns, 6. Brad Shields, 7. Peter Lakai, 8. Devan Flanders, 9. Ereatara Enari, 10. Ruben Love, 11. Kini Naholo, 12. Jordie Barrett (c), 13. Billy Proctor, 14. Fehi Fineanganofo, 15. Callum Harkin

Bench: 16. Raymond Tuputupu, 17. Pouri Rakete-Stones, 18. Siale Lauaki, 19. Isaia Walker-Leawere, 20. Brayden Iose, 21. Jordi Viljoen, 22. Jone Rova, 23. Bailyn Sullivan

“We’re well aware of the threat that the Blues possess. I’m sure they’re highly motivated about the opportunity to beat us and continue that fight for the top two. It’s going to be a highly physical and exciting game.”

Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw

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Source: Radio New Zealand

NZ Warriors coach Andrew Webster insists halfback Luke Metcalf still has a role to play, as the Auckland club chases its first NRL championship.

Unable to displace in-form Tanah Boyd or Chanel Harris-Tavita in the starting line-up, and apparently intent on playing halfback, not five-eighth, in the long term, Metcalf was given permission to speak to other clubs about his future beyond this season.

On Thursday night, he informed the Warriors he had reached an agreement with another club, signing a three-year deal with St George-Illawarra Dragons.

Metcalf earlier attended training, but has not been selected for either first grade or the reserves this weekend, while he explores his future contract options.

During the summer, Metcalf signed a two-year contract extension until the end of 2028.

“It’s dumb for business to name people, to play people, to put them in harm’s way, until they’ve got their future sorted,” Webster explained. “The moment he does that, we’ll have him available for selection either in NSW Cup or NRL.”

Now that seems resolved, Metcalf will likely see out the rest of the season at Mt Smart, where he still has a role in the squad.

“One-hundred percent,” Webster assured. “A week in rugby league is a long time, and whoever is playing the best and deserves the opportunity will take it.

“We’re certainly not going to change that and he could have a big part to play.”

Boyd is just an injury – or State of Origin selection – away from missing time for the Warriors, with Metcalf still the next best No.7 option on the roster.

“We’re really blessed that we’ve got Te Maire Martin, we’ve got Luke Metcalf and all our young halves,” Webster said. “Luke Hanson has played this year and Jett Cleary is tracking well, so we’ve got a lot of players that could fill in.

“Luke wants to be here for the rest of this year at least and, if he’s playing well and buying in, he’s certainly available for selection.”

Webster was adamant there was no suggestion Metcalf would leave before the end of this campaign, but watching the saga play out in public had been frustrating.

“To see it in the media before we knew a lot about it… people were talking about it before we knew, but the way Luke has handled it with me, particularly in the last three days, has been awesome. I’m really proud of him.

“You always want to get ahead of it and be the first to know.

“He wants to make sure he can explore his future, but at the same time, I know he’s very grateful to this club and loves this club. His training’s been good, the way he’s been around the boys, but rugby league players are ambitious.

“His future’s here right now for as long as he wants to be here. It’s not an argument or a blow-up or anything like that.

“I haven’t seen him train poorly, it’s just unfortunate that form from other players has been exceptional, there’s been some injuries to Luke himself and he now wants to explore where he wants to go from here.”

Webster warns fans not to judge Metcalf too harshly.

“To ask if I’m disappointed they don’t want to hang around and fight, I don’t know what they’re going through,” he said. “I don’t know how much it’s hurting them and I don’t know how much strain it’s putting on them.

“I honestly think Warriors fans are awesome like that. There will always be at every club one or two idiots that will get it wrong.

“Just treat him with respect. We still love him here and have a lot of time for him, so I hope all the fans feel the same.”

Warriors skipper Mitch Barnett has put Metcalf’s wellbeing ahead of any disruption the fallout may have caused.

“End of the day, in rugby league, people come and go,” he said. “It’s a business and for us, as a team, we have to check in with Luke to make sure he’s alright – we don’t get involved in the other stuff.

“All we expect here is for people to rip in on the training field and deliver on the weekends, and buy into the team culture. He’s been doing that, so that’s as far as I go.

“For Luke, it’s his business and not something I’m willing to comment on. We just check in on the welfare of the human being.

“We’ve got a game to prepare for. Yes, we care about the individual… we’re all around him.”

Barnett himself has been granted an early exit from his Warriors contract to return across the Tasman next year on compassionate grounds, signing with Brisbane Broncos.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

While many would consider the tactics to be boring or ugly, for Blues coach Vern Cotter, they are a thing of beauty.

No nonsense, up the guts, smash-and-bash footy.

Few teams do it better than the Blues and they will need to bring every ounce of ugly in order to knock over the high-flying Hurricanes on Saturday night at Eden Park.

“The beauty of rugby is the collisions and the physical contact so I think if you let the Hurricanes play, I mean they’ve scored just about the most tries I think in the competition so if you’re going to deny them that, you’re going to have to be present at the points of contact which is around that collision and contact tackle and carry so I think that’s beautiful,” Cotter said.

In the heart of that physical battle will be Anton Segner, promoted to starting openside after Dalton Papali’i fractured his jaw against the Crusaders last week.

Segner said not to expect an expansive Blues gameplan.

“We’re a team that prides ourselves on our physicality. And yeah, if you’re part of a team like that, then things do get ugly, it’s cliché for a reason that the games are lost and won up front.”

The German-born loosie admitted they didn’t turn up at Te Kaha, as the Crusaders out-worked them under the roof.

“We put out a disappointing performance last week, there’s a whole lot of get-betters that we need to get out of that game and right our wrongs. There’s a good bit of edge in there (at training). So you can definitely tell that we’re excited about playing the top of the table team at the moment.”

Cotter conceded that the Canes were the benchmark at the moment.

“They’re playing good rugby. So we look at it as an awesome opportunity for us to show them what we have, because we know that when we play our game and we play our game well, that we can give them a good challenge.”

As well as the irrepressible form of Fehi Fineanganofo, who is on track to break a 30-year try scoring record, the Hurricanes have also welcomed back the dangerous Kini Naholo making for a lethal wing pairing.

Fineanganofo has dotted down 15 times in 2026, just one shy of Joe Roff and Ben Lam’s combined season record of 16.

“You’ve got to respect the quality, it’s the plague or cholera, isn’t it? That’s one or the other. So they’re both very good but yeah we’re aware of the strength they have on the edges and they get the ball space there and they can beat players not only with their step but also with their power so it becomes one-on-one so a big job for us,” said Cotter.

A big job lies ahead for Segner, who shoulders more responsibility this weekend as he steps in for the injured skipper.

He has been in career-best from at the Blues, but has been tuning out external calls for an All Black promotion.

“I want to earn my performance each week, I know that there’s a bit of chat about that out there but to be fully honest with you I’m not focused on that. I’m focused on the Blues and on the game this weekend and my main focus going into this season is to win a championship here.”

While the Blues will be without Papali’i, Beauden Barrett is back in the number 10 jersey for the crucial clash.

“It’s time to step up a bit, it’s a home game and we’re towards the end of the season. So we’ll just have a look at our intent on the paddock,” Cotter said.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

Teenage surfer Alani Morse is dreaming of taking on the best as she prepares for the biggest competition of her young career.

The 15-year-old won a wildcard qualifying event in April to compete in the World Surf League round at Raglan over the next week, lining up against the sport’s elite.

The field includes Australian legend Stephanie Gilmour, who underlined her GOAT status with a victory at the most recent Championship Tour stop at Snapper Rocks on the Gold Coast.

Gilmour, American Caitlin Simmers and Vahine Fierro of Tahiti are the three Morse would most love to share a wave with.

To make that happen, Morse must first progress through the preliminary round to make the main bracket and potentially take to the water alongside one of her heroes.

At the top of that list is 20-year-old Simmers, the 2024 world champion.

“I’ve met her and she’s just a nice normal person and she just wants to have fun. You could be super-serious and it’s her job but she just wants to surf well and have fun,” Morse told RNZ.

The pair have been messaging ahead of the event, with the American excited to be surfing in New Zealand.

“I’d love to end up in a heat with her because I think she would push me a lot.”

Still, Morse said she draws inspiration from the entire Championship Tour field.

“What they have done is insane, I’m just at the start but they’ve done it their whole life and I respect that.”

Over the past year, Morse has competed in several Qualifying Series events and hopes one day to follow fellow New Zealander Paige Hareb onto surfing’s top-tier Championship Tour.

Competing against the world’s best had always been part of the dream – she just did not expect it to happen this early in her career.

Now, with the event fast approaching, Morse said she has started to realise just how significant it is for both herself and New Zealand surfing.

“Seeing how much this inspires the younger generation is really cool and I’m excited to be competing against the world’s best including some who are my heroes.”

Morse also has one advantage over much of the field: local knowledge.

Having lived in Raglan for the past five years, she knows Manu Bay better than most. While the break can take time to understand, Morse feels she has now mastered many of its intricacies.

She said several competitors in the New Zealand Pro had already reached out for local insight and, while she had shared a few tips, she was keeping most of Manu Bay’s secrets to herself.

More than $100,000 is up for grabs for winners on the WSL with a total prize pool of more than $15 million available over the Championship season.

While her goal is to progress through at least one heat and perhaps collect a pay cheque, Morse admits what she will take most from the event is the experience.

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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 Wellington Phoenix women’s team have been recognised by their peers as a result of the team’s record-breaking A-League football season.

Six Phoenix players have been named in the Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) team of the season ahead of Saturday’s grand final against Melbourne City, while Bev Priestman has been voted coach of the year by PFA members.

Phoenix centre back and stand-in captain Mackenzie Barry, midfielders Grace Jale and Pia Vlok and winger Brooke Nunn have been named in the starting XI, while goalkeeper Victoria Esson and defender Marisa van der Meer are two of seven substitutes in the 18-strong squad.

Last year when the Phoenix women finished in ninth place, the club only had one player voted into the PFA team of the season as a substitute.

Before this season, the Wellington Phoenix women’s best-ever finish in the A-League was seventh place. The team joined the league in the 2021/22 season and finished with the wooden spoon in their first two campaigns.

“I’m super proud of all of the players that have been named,” Priestman said. “They’re well deserved and maybe there could have been a few more.

“It speaks volumes to the commitment of, not only the players named but, the players around those players to help them get there.

“For the Wellington Phoenix to have that many players in is probably a first and super proud of the players that are there.”

Priestman was also honoured to be recognised by the players in her first year in the A-league.

“That means the team you’re coaching and playing against have seen value in what you’ve done this year, which is awesome.

“But at the end of the day I’m one person of many. The staff that I work with are immense, the club that I work for is immense and that’s the reason I’m in this position.

“So I’d like to thank the club, the players I work with and the staff that I work with, who work tirelessly.

The PFA’s A-League team of the season:

Goalkeeper: Teresa Morrissey (Perth Glory)

Defenders: Aimee Medwin (Brisbane Roar), Mackenzie Barry (Wellington Phoenix), Rebekah Stott (Melbourne City) (c), Ella Tonkin (Adelaide United)

Midfielders: Pia Vlok (Wellington Phoenix), Isabel Gomez (Central Coast Mariners), Grace Jale (Wellington Phoenix)

Forwards: Holly McNamara (Melbourne City), Annalise Rasmussen (Central Coast Mariners), Brooke Nunn (Wellington Phoenix)

Substitutes: Victoria Esson (Wellington Phoenix), Claudia Bunge (Melbourne Victory), Marisa van der Meer (Wellington Phoenix), Leticia McKenna (Melbourne City), Rhianna Pollicina (Melbourne Victory), Aideen Keane (Melbourne City), Daisy Brown (Brisbane Roar)

Coach: Bev Priestman (Wellington Phoenix)

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

Black Ferns front rower Tanya Kalounivale has hit pause on her rugby career in New Zealand after deciding to move to Australia.

Kalounivale played 29 Tests for New Zealand since making her debut in 2022.

The 27-year-old played for Waikato since 2017 and for Chiefs Manawa in Super Rugby Aupiki since 2021.

Kalounivale said she was pausing her rugby ambitions in New Zealand to focus on family.

“I’ll absolutely miss my teammates and the Black Ferns environment, but family comes first, so it was an easy decision in the end to head move to Australia,” she said in a NZR statement.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had and won’t be giving up on my rugby ambitions, but for now that’s not going to be possible in New Zealand.”

NZR head of women’s high performance Hannah Porter wished Kalounivale well.

“From a rugby point of view we would have loved for Tanya to have extended her contract with New Zealand Rugby, but we fully understand her decision to move to Australia and support her family.

“We wish her all the best and hope to see her back on a rugby field soon.”

Kalounivale last played for the Black Ferns in the Pacific Four Series in April.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

Moana Pasifika is not the only club facing closure since the Super Rugby Pacific competition kicked off in 2022.

The Melbourne Rebels suffered a similar fate at the end of the 2024 season, which reduced the then-12-team competition to 11.

There are calls for changes to mitigate what many believe is the growing risk of the competition going under.

Last weekend’s New Zealand Rugby (NZR) annual general meeting (AGM) heard all five of New Zealand’s franchises – the Blues, Chiefs, Crusaders, Highlanders, and Hurricanes – were bleeding money in 2025.

Moana Pasifika, which could be called the financially weakest of all the clubs, was doomed to follow the Rebels into oblivion for many reasons.

That reality was announced last month, with funders and current licence holders, the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA), announcing they were backing out because of financial challenges.

This decision comes after extensive consideration of the financial, operational and strategic realities facing the franchise, as well as professional rugby in New Zealand.

Moana Pasifika said on 15 April, that despite the tireless dedication of players, staff, and supporters, it is no longer viable to continue the franchise at this level of competition.

“This is one of the hardest decisions we have ever made. We are immensely proud of our players, staff, and the community who have supported our team over the years,” Moana Pasifika chair Dr Kiki Maoate said.

“Across our rugby, pathways and community programmes, we have been able to support a growing hub of Pacific talent across multiple sporting codes, both locally and in the Pacific region. This is something we are extremely proud of and will continue to support and advocate for as best we can.

“Our commitment now is to ensure a smooth transition for everyone affected and to celebrate our legacy by finishing the season strong.”

The Moana Pasifika Charitable Trust was founded by Savae La’auli Sir Michael Jones KNZM and Tuifa’asisina Sir Bryan Williams KNZM in 2021, with a mission to create the first professional Pacific rugby team.

It is that ‘Trust’ model which is now believed to have been a downfall that has limited the franchise’s ability to secure long-term funding from sponsors.

World Rugby and NZR both stepped in the initial stages, but both organisations have stated publicly they will not do that now, leaving the club and its owners to either stay firm on their decision to close or sell to interested buyers.

Enter Kanaloa Consortium – backed by a number of Pasifika heritage former All Blacks.

Kanaloa’s CEO Tracy Atiga said they have been given until 15 May – tomorrow – to send in their proposal to NZR to save Moana Pasifika for disbanding.

She has also said that part of that NZR agreement is for Kanaloa to get the support of both PMA and the New Zealand Rugby Players Association (NZRPA).

She has been outspoken about what she calls unsupportive stance taken by both the PMA and the NZRPA who had, as she claimed, shown no interest in getting Kanaloa’s proposal or bid supported.

However, both PMA and Moana Pasifika chief executive Debbie Sorensen and NZRPA’s Rob Nichol have stated that Kanaloa should send their proposal to NZR, if they were serious about their bid.

Kanaloa, which was known to many until the revelation that Moana Pasifika was going to close, had initially sent a proposal to PMA’s Sorensen last year but did not get any response, and had also bid for a franchise license in 2020/2021 but were also unsuccessful.

A point of interest: Kanaloa threatened to sue NZR in November 2020, because they claimed the union breached its own rules by granting Moana Pasifika a licence, even though the new franchise did not properly participate in the tender process.

Anyway, NZR has also stated they are open to discuss any proposal that would save Moana Pasifika.

“NZR is open to receiving proposals that present a long-term and sustainable plan for Moana Pasifika,” a NZR spokesman said, adding “that opportunity is available for the next few weeks”.

For Kanaloa that period ends on Friday.

‘The model doesn’t work’

It is going to be telling to see how things play out in the next few days and week.

Media reports in Aotearoa say that reports tabled at the NZR AGM indicate all five of New Zealand’s teams made losses last year and the private equity investors who hold varying stakes in those teams have called for changes, including a possible move to full private ownership.

“When we got involved, we knew the Hurricanes were losing money. The model doesn’t work,” Malcolm Gillies, a co-owner of the Wellington-based Hurricanes, told the Rugby Direct podcast.

“Unless there’s change, it’s not going to work. You’ve got five franchises in New Zealand and none of them are making a lot of money. The whole system has to change.

Gillies believes the competition in its current form is unsustainable.

“If it stays the way it is now, I fear for it. If there’s change then I believe we’ve got a product. But if it doesn’t, I believe it’s going to die. That’s my honest opinion.”

NZR contracts and retains control over Super Rugby Pacific players under the current system.

Full private ownership would follow the England and France situation, where clubs directly contract the players.

Moana Pasifika players basically come under the Pacific Rugby Players (PRP) association, which has stated their ultimate focus is making sure players’ welfare are looked after.

It is their number one job, chairman Valentine Tauamiti told RNZ Pacific this week.

So right now, PRP will request discussions on any proposal they see might fit the bill. Thus, their request to NZR that the Kanaloa bid gets discussed.

While Atiga and Kanaloa have yet to send their proposal through, a number of things needs to be verified:

• How has their management record been? Has Kanaloa successfully managed sports teams to the magnitude of a Super Rugby franchisee in the past?

Records show Kanaloa had tried to get into the Major Rugby League in the USA three years ago also but failed. But Atiga is confident they have the money, the experience and the people to fund and manage Moana Pasifika, fulfilling all the requirements that needs to be met, with international player fees paid out on top of players’ contracts.

• Do they have a viable and sustainable business plan?

The reality on the ground is Super Rugby clubs need more than NZ$15 million to survive annually. And there is no guarantee ticket sales, TV rights and sponsorship endorsements will meet that need annually. Atiga and Kanaloa believe their model will work and ensure financial safety going forward.

• Will Kanaloa be able to have security, or guarantee, that would cover the costs if the franchise folds?

This is a critical factor that would need to be part of any sale agreement. Buyers must prove they have the added security, in the form of a building or assets, that can be used to meet the financial demands, ensuring there are no debts left when a franchise folds. RNZ Pacific understands this is one area both the PRP and the NZRPA demand as being part of any proposal.

RNZ Pacific has been reliably informed that the PMA is selling its Christchurch building, the Maoate House, which is now on the market.

Sorensen has been asked to confirm the sale, but it is believed that is being done as part of the funding agreement when the PMA took up Moana Pasifika.

Moana Pasifika has two more games to go this season, one at home next weekend and the other away in Australia.

Whether those two matches will be their last as a Super Rugby Pacific team – or the start of a revamp – is anyone’s guess right now.

One thing is clear: NZR and the stakeholders involved will need to act fast if Moana Pasifika is to be saved.

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