Category: Sport

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Olympic Committee has named snowboarder Zoi Sadowski-Synnott and freeski athlete Ben Barclay as New Zealand’s flagbearers at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games.

The pair were formally announced as Ngā Pou Hāpai Tāne and Wahine (male and female flagbearers) during a special team gathering at New Zealand Lodge in the Italian town of Livigno.

Sadowski-Synnott said she felt “very honoured” to be selected.

“To share this with Beano (Ben) who I’ve spent a lot of my career with, not only on my snowboard but off it too, is special. He’s just an all-round great human being and I’m proud to be sharing this moment with him,” she said.

“I just hope to lead the NZ Team in a way that can make everyone proud, it means a lot to me,” she said.

Barclay echoed Sadowski-Synnott’s feelings of pride.

“It’s an honour to wear the kākahu (cloak) and be chosen as a flagbearer alongside such a good friend as Zoi. To lead the team into the opening ceremony is a privilege for both of us,” he said.

“When the kākahu was put on our shoulders it gave me a bit of a shiver, it’s an honour that not many people get to experience and to carry that forward throughout this Olympic experience will be incredible.”

The flagbearers were selected by the team’s chef de mission Marty Toomey, who considered past performances, leadership qualities, the ability to inspire teammates, and each athlete’s competition preparation and performance.

He said both athletes reflected the spirit the team wanted to take into the games.

“These two are not only incredible athletes, but incredible human beings … They work hard, they stay grounded and they lift the people around them.

“Ben represents resilience, commitment and genuine care for his teammates. He has earned deep respect across the team through his attitude, his professionalism and the way he supports others.

“Zoi has set new standards for New Zealand snow sports. Her consistency, her competitive courage and the way she carries herself make her a powerful example for every athlete here.”

Sadowski-Synnott, Olympian #1384 had a full set of Olympic medals, having represented the NZ Team at PyeongChang 2018 where she won bronze in Big Air and at Beijing 2022 where she won gold in Slopestyle and silver in Big Air.

Barclay, Olympian #1520, represented the NZ Team at the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Freeski Slopestyle and Big Air, finishing tenth in Slopestyle, which stands as New Zealand’s best result in the event.

New Zealand is set to be represented by 17 athletes at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, which run from 6-22 February.

The opening ceremony will be at 7.30am New Zealand time on Saturday.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

Wellington Phoenix have secured a stunning homecoming, signing 26-cap All White Sarpreet Singh for the rest of the A-League season.

The attacking midfielder is on loan from Serbian SuperLiga side Bačka Topola.

As a teenager, Singh made his professional debut for the Wellington outfit and logged 40 appearances, before moving to Bayern Munich in 2019 for what was then a club-record fee.

“I’m very happy to be back,” he said. “The club means a lot to me, and I can’t wait to get started and meet everyone.

“The most important thing for me is to be in an environment where I’m enjoying it, having fun and being able just be free on the field.

“That’s when I play my best football and I believe Wellington provides the best environment for that for me.”

Singh has played professionally in Germany, Portugal and Serbia over the past six-and-a-half seasons.

“I feel like I left as a boy and I’m returning as a more mature player,” he said. “Throughout those years, I’ve learnt a lot, and I’ve had plenty of highs and a lot of lows as well.

“I’ve had to deal with many setbacks throughout my career, and I feel like with age, time and experience, I’ve learnt a lot. I think I’m in a very good headspace and, physically, I’m very good as well.

“I feel like I’m a good age, I feel ready and I feel like my best years are still ahead of me.”

Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano jumped at the opportunity to sign Singh, after long being an admirer.

“We were very close to signing Sarpreet at the beginning of the season and he was going to be a player that I was going to try to build a team around,” Italiano said.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

For the first time in club history, a rejuvenated Wellington Phoenix sit atop the women’s A-league, after a tense 1-0 win over Perth Glory.

The successful outing at home capped a remarkable four-match winning streak, catapulting them past Melbourne City and Brisbane into top spot on the competition ladder.

In four previous seasons, the Phoenix women have never reached the playoffs, finishing ninth last season, but they seem to have found their feet under former Canada national coach Bev Priestman.

Captain Mackenzie Barry told SkySport her teammates knew exactly what was on the line entering the match.

“I’m just so pleased we got the win,” she said. “We were pushing so hard this week.

“It feels like a huge achievement and it felt like finals football today.

“We believe in each other, and we’re going to keep pushing and do what hasn’t been done before, so I can’t wait to see how the rest of the season goes.”

The decisive moment in the tough contest came on the stroke of halftime, when American forward Makala Woods pounced for her third goal of the season, tipping the match in Wellington’s favour.

The second half saw further chances for the home side, as Grace Jale unleashed a strike that clipped the crossbar.

Phoenix goalkeeper Vic Esson faced an injury scare, halting play with a hand injury, but she remained on the field.

Perth pressed for an equaliser late in the match, as Wellington’s defenders held firm.

Next week, the Phoenix women host Central Coast Mariners at Porirua Park.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

New Zealand has made a flying start to the Winter Olympics in Italy, with all three men qualifying for the final of the snowboard big air event.

Lyon Farrell, Rocco Jamieson and Dane Menzies all finished inside the top 12 in a 30-man field to secure their spots in the high-pressure showdown at Livignio Snow Park on Sunday morning (NZT).

Farrell was the best of them, locking down seventh with his third and final run, reacting with animation when he landed his run and then again when the judges’ score was announced.

Needing to score 73.50 to finished inside the 12, Farrell produced a score of 81.50.

“Olympic finalist sounds incredible, I can’t believe it, it’s so good,” he told Sky Sport, reflecting on the additional pressure of being the 30th and last competitor to complete his run.

“There were a lot of people getting their runs done and I’m just waiting.

“I’ve got the best team ever, to keep me going forward. Everyone believes so much in me, it’s the best formula I could possible have to doing well.

“They kept me in a place where I felt like I could do anything and somehow in the last run I made it happen. Just crazy.”

Farrell, the oldest member of New Zealand’s 17-strong Olympic team at age 27, produced a combined score of 170.00. It was found by adding his two best runs.

That was enough to lift him one place ahead of Jamieson (168.25) while Menzies snuck through in 11th place with 164.00.

The top qualifier was Japan’s Hiroto Ogiwara (178.50), followed by Italy’s Ian Matteoli and Japan’s Kira Kimura.

The next New Zealanders in action will be Ruby Star Andrews and Sylvia Trotter in women’s freeski slopestyle qualifying on Saturday night (NZT).

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

Auckland FC have signed British-born and Australian-raised rookie Sydney goalkeeper Jimmy Hilton until the end of the season.

The 23-year-old has impressed for Sydney club Marconi Stallions in the NSW National Premier League.

A call-up for the A-League has come as a complete shock for Hilton, with the competition representing a significant step up.

“If you told me last week, ‘Jimmy, come Saturday, you’ll be in New Zealand playing football for Auckland FC’, I wouldn’t have believed you, but here we are,” he said.

“Now the shock has worn off, I’ll be getting my head down, focusing on training, performing at my very best and seizing any opportunities the come my way.

“I’m 23, I want to make the most of my career and Auckland FC is a great place to do that.”

Auckland FC director of football Terry McFlynn said Hilton, who was born in Manchester, was an excellent addition to the squad.

He was awarded the National Premier League NSW 2025 Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year award.

“He has a good attitude, brings some great experience,” said McFlynn.

“With a couple of players injured and others doing the business in the OFC Pro League, signing Hilton was a no-brainer for us.

“We had a great chat on Monday, he has a good attitude, brings some great experience and will be an excellent addition to the squad. He also never missed a game though injury and we could probably do with some of that luck right now.”

Auckland second-string keeper Oli Sail will miss the remainder of the season, the club has confirmed.

He injured his patellar tendon during last week’s away game against Perth Glory and had to be stretchered off the field during the 2-1 loss.

Joseph Knowles is slowly working his way back to full fitness following surgery for a hip issue, Oscar Mason and Blake Callinan are away in Papua New Guinea, and Eli Jones is out with glandular fever, leaving coach Steve Corica with Michael Woud as the only fit keeper in the side.

Hilton, who also holds a double major degree in molecular genetics and disease, has plans to become a doctor after football.

He was invited to train with Auckland last Monday, after Sail’s injury blow.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

New Zealand has made a flying start to the Winter Olympics in Italy, with all three men qualifying for the final of the snowboard Big Air event.

Lyon Farrell, Rocco Jamieson and Dane Menzies all finished inside the top 12 in a 30-man field to secure their spots in the high-pressure showdown at Livignio Snow Park on Sunday morning (NZT).

Farrell was the best of them, locking down seventh with his third and final run, reacting with animation when he landed his run and then again when the judges’ score was announced.

Needing to score 73.50 to finished inside the 12, Farrell produced a score of 81.50.

“Olympic finalist sounds incredible, I can’t believe it, it’s so good,” he told Sky Sport, reflecting on the additional pressure of being the 30th and last competitor to complete his run.

“There were a lot of people getting their runs done and I’m just waiting.

“I’ve got the best team ever, to keep me going forward. Everyone believes so much in me, it’s the best formula I could possible have to doing well.

“They kept me in a place where I felt like I could do anything and somehow in the last run I made it happen. Just crazy.”

Farrell, the oldest member of New Zealand’s 17-strong Olympic team at age 27, produced a combined score of 170.00. It was found by adding his two best runs.

That was enough to lift him one place ahead of Jamieson (168.25) while Menzies snuck through in 11th place with 164.00.

The top qualifier was Japan’s Hiroto Ogiwara (178.50), followed by Italy’s Ian Matteoli and Japan’s Kira Kimura.

The next New Zealanders in action will be Ruby Star Andrews and Sylvia Trotter in women’s freeski slopestyle qualifying on Saturday night (NZT).

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

The New Zealand Breakers have been left with a mountain to climb to reach the NBL playoffs after being outplayed on their home court 114-83 by the South East Melbourne Phoenix.

Missing a number of key players, the Breakers fell away in the second half after going to the main break with the scores locked at 52-52.

It completed a season-sweep for the Phoenix over the Breakers, having won all four of their games, and lifted the Melbourne club to the top of the table.

The Breakers dropped one place to eighth and will probably need to win all of their four remaining games to have any hope of reaching the top six, starting with tonight’s quick-turnaround contest against the Illawarra Hawks – also in Auckland.

Coach Petteri Koponen’s team will need to be better if they’re to beat the seventh-placed visitors, having been eclipsed in most departments by the Phoenix.

They were without rising star Karim Lopez, who picked up an injury in the buildup, adding to a medical list that also includes Sam Mennenga and Rob Baker, whose seasons have been ended prematurely by injury.

Izaiah Brockington stepped up to score 19 points while Tai Webster had 16 points and eight rebounds before he was ejected in the fourth quarter.

Guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright mixed 15 points with seven rebounds, five assists and two steals before he was ejected in the final quarter after earning two technical fouls.

South East Melbourne’s defence also forced New Zealand into 14 second half turnovers and they dominated the third quarter, winning it 34-15.

Six of their players scored double figures, led by Ian Clark with 23 points.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

Super Rugby Pacific is back after a real return to form last year, with the competition kicking off in Dunedin on 13 February. As usual, each team has gone through an eventful off season, so today we’re checking in on last year’s fairytale team, Moana Pasifika.

Highlanders team preview

Overview

Moana pretty much saved themselves from extinction by finishing in seventh place and memorably making the play-offs last year. That was done off the back of a gigantic workload by Ardie Savea, who will not be with the team this year as he plies his trade in Japan. His absence will be the talking point over Moana this year, as they look to keep the momentum going on and off the field.

The Good

Despite Savea leaving, the squad assembled by coach Tana Umaga is definitely beginning to make Moana look more like a favoured destination than second or third resort. Former Hurricane and All Black Ngani Laumape is the big addition to the midfield, while Jimmy Tupou and 132 kg Alefosio Aho will add a lot in the second row.

The Bad

While they’ve stepped out of last resort category, Moana are seemingly in another stage they probably don’t want to be in. Kyren Tamouefolau’s departure to the Chiefs is a sign that other teams are now very much eyeing up any young talent Moana produces, so the pressure is on to be a title contender simply to make those players stick around.

Big boots to fill

Miracle Faiilagi has been handed the unenviable task of replacing Savea as not only captain, but also the key loose forward. However, he will have plenty of help in the form of Semisi Paea and last year’s breakout star Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa.

What makes Moana fans different

Moana went from playing in front of three men and a dog to establishing a fan base so dialled in they made North Harbour Stadium feel like Ellis Park. The most important game on the calendar is now definitely the crosstown derby with the Blues, which will likely be ramped up through both sides’ willingness to take shots at each other on social media.

Big games

Once again, it’s all of them. There will be an extra edge when Moana travel across town to play the Blues at Eden Park in round five, while they host their rivals in round 11. That run from round three on sees them play the Chiefs twice and the Crusaders once as well, after which we’ll have a decent barometer of what sort of post-Ardie reality Moana are in.

2026 squad

Props: Abraham Pole, Chris Apoua, Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou, Malakai Hala-Ngatai, Paula Latu, Tito Tuipulotu

Hookers: Mamoru Harada, Millennium Sanerivi, Samiuela Moli

Locks: Alefosio Aho, Allan Craig, Jimmy Tupou, Ofa Tauatevalu, Tom Savage

Loose Forwards: Dominic Ropeti, Miracle Faiilagi, Niko Jones, Ola Tauelangi, Semisi Paea, Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Tupou Afungia

Halfbacks: Augustine Pulu, Jonathan Taumateine, Melani Matavao, Siaosi Nginingini

First Fives: Faletoi Peni, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Patrick Pellegrini

Midfield: Julian Savea, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Ngani Laumape, Tevita Latu

Outside Backs: Glen Vaihu, Israel Leota, Solomon Alaimalo, Tevita Ofa, Tuna Tuitama, William Havili

Next up on Monday: The Blues

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

Seamer Matt Henry grabbed five wickets and came up clutch in the final over as the Black Caps saw off the United States by seven runs in a T20 World Cup warmup match in Mumbai.

It capped a difficult day for New Zealand, who couldn’t field ill batsmen Rachin Ravindra, with a viral infection having struck the team this week, according to coach Rob Walter.

Devon Conway was only cleared late to play the game while fellow-opener Finn Allen missed the game with a shoulder complaint.

Walter said he expected to have a fully fit squad to choose from for Sunday’s opening pool match against Afghanistan in Chennai.

Henry at least showed he was fit and firing, finishing with 5-32 as the US reached 201-8 off their 20 overs, in response to New Zealand’s 208-7.

The unheralded American side needed 12 to win off the final over but experienced seamer Henry halted them in their tracks, conceding just four runs and taking the wickets of Shubham Ranjane and Mohammad Mohsin off the second and fourth balls.

Earlier, Henry claimed the scalp of Andries Gous from the first ball of the chase and he later removed Milind Kumar for 43, while legspinner Ish Sodhi (2-27) dismissed top-scorer Saiteja Mukkamalla for 50.

New Zealand’s best with the bat was opener Tim Seifert, who blasted 66 off 31 balls before retiring to give others time at the crease.

Glenn Phillips struck a rapid 40 and Daryl Mitchell contributed 32.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

Seattle Seahawks v New England Patriots

Kick-off: 12:30pm, Monday 9 February

Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California

Live blog updates on RNZ Sport

Part sport, part spectacle, part national holiday.

Whether they are tuning in for the iconic halftime show, the unforgettable ads, or maybe even some football, one hundred million eyes glued to screens during Super Bowl 60.

The Vince Lombardi Trophy goes on the line in the biggest day of the US sporting calendar.

Here is everything you need to know.

Who, where and when?

The Super Bowl returns to Levi’s Stadium for the first time in a decade as the Seattle Seahawks meet the New England Patriots at 12:30pm NZT Monday 9 February. Home of the San Francisco 49ers, the Silicon Valley stadium boasts a capacity of just under 70,000 and is hosting the Super Bowl for only the second time.

The teams

New England Patriots

It’s no exaggeration to say that the Patriots experienced a massive and unexpected turnaround this season. After consecutive 4-13 seasons, they finished the regular season with an impressive 14-3 record, earning first place in the AFC East and first division title since 2019.

Both offence and defence were excellent, going undefeated 8-0 on the road and posting their best winning percentage (.824) since their 2016 Super Bowl season.

The Patriots defeated the LA Chargers 16-3 in the Wild Card Round, then the Houston Texans 28-16 in the Divisional Round. In the AFC Championship Game, they pulled out a hard-fought 10-7 victory over the Denver Broncos.

That earned their first Super Bowl appearance since the Brady-Belichick era, an ominous sign to everyone that had consigned the perennial powerhouse franchise to history.

Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks finished with a 14-3 record, good enough for top seed in the NFC and their best regular-season mark in franchise history.

They carried that momentum into the playoffs, securing their first playoff win since 2019 and advancing through to defeat the LA Rams 31-27 in the NFC Championship Game.

The win marked their first Super Bowl appearance since the 2014 season and only the fourth in franchise history. They will be desperate to make up for the last time they made it this far, when they lost in dramatic fashion to the Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX.

Key players

Patriots quarterback Drake Maye has thrown for over 4000 yards and became an MVP candidate. Strategic additions like wide receiver Stefon Diggs elevated the team’s playmakers, while rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson also made a major impact, rushing for 911 yards and nine touchdowns.

Meanwhile, Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold, who signed a major free-agent deal, has delivered one of the best seasons of his career. Darnold has also thrown for over 4000 yards and came up clutch in the postseason. Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba led the league in receiving yards with 1,793 and broke the Seahawks single-season receiving record. Cornerback Devon Witherspoon and safety Nick Emmanwori’s big seasons have helped the Seahwaks defence rank among the league’s top units.

Any Kiwis?

There is! Seahawks runningback George Holani was born in Auckland and moved to the US at three-years-old.

Holani is of Tongan heritage and is one of 11 children. His football journey started at the age of eight, before also trying his hand at rugby.

Holani has been with the Seahawks since 2024 after joining as an undrafted free agent.

The 24-year-old is second on the depth chart and should get a few carries on Monday.

Halftime

It’s no secret that the halftime show is often more anticipated than the game for the many bandwagon fans.

This year will see the most streamed artist in the world take centre stage, the “King of Latin Trap”, rapper, singer, and songwriter, Benito Ocasio, better known as Bad Bunny.

The choice has been met with some backlash in conservative circles, who have lashed out with ugly rhetoric against the Puerto Rican, in a similar vein to what Kendrick Lamar dealt with in 2025.

Whether or not you’re familiar with his music, expect a spectacle, as the man knows how to hype a crowd.

Fans will also get a dose of nostalgic punk rock courtesy of Green Day, who surged to popularity in the early 2000’s with his such as American idiot and Boulevard of Broken Dreams.

Trump and Bad Bunny

Just as he inserted himself into the Super Bowl narrative in 2025 due to his feud with Taylor Swift, president Donald Trump has again bogarted headlines with his staunch opposition to Bad Bunny.

To the utter horror of a certain portion of American fans, spurred on by the president, the selection of a an artist who almost exclusively sings Spanish to perform at halftime is a crime against their country, Ironically ignoring the fact that Bad Bunny is a US citizen.

The Puerto Rican has been an outspoken critic of Trump, and the President in turn has boycotted the Superb Bowl.

“I’m anti-them,” Trump said. “I think it’s a terrible choice. All it does is sow hatred. Terrible.”

Bad Bunny hit back at the president and his ICE squad during his Grammy acceptance speech.

“We’re not savages, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens. We are humans and we are Americans,” he said deriding the recent wave of latino deportations.

History

The game came about due to there being two competing football competitions, the American Football League and the National Football League. The first AFL/NFL Championship game was held in 1967 after numerous attempts to make it work throughout the decade but it wasn’t officially named the ‘Super Bowl’ until 1970 when the leagues merged. Each edition became denoted by Roman numerals two years later.

The numbers

By the time the ball is kicked, billions will already have been banked. Tickets are starting at around $6000 NZD for the ‘cheap seats’, ad slots are selling for more than $12 million for 30 seconds, and Americans are set to spend north of $20 billion on Super Bowl Sunday.

Spare a thought for the poultry, with more than a billion chicken wings to be eaten and washed down with 300 million gallons of beer.

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