Sports
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Moana Pasifika cut from Super Rugby as NZR rejects Islands' rescue bid
New Zealand Rugby has ruled that the $12m plan lacked the financial security it needed.

Croatia hit lead against Panama
Live updates of the Group L clash between Croatia and Panama.
A sports car or a Toyota Corolla? How tactical inflexibilty has hampered the All Whites
Their brilliance at the showpiece has been undone by an inability to finish the job.

Cricketer Bob Blair dies aged 94 after life marked by Tangiwai tragedy
Across 19 tests, he claimed 43 wickets and 537 more in First-Class games.

Auckland FC confirm signing of All Whites midfielder
After a host of high-profile departures, Auckland FC have confirmed a huge signing.

England shut out in draw with Ghana
England couldn't find the back of the net for a record 13th 0-0 draw at the World Cup.

PGA Tour announces radical overhaul with 'two-tier' system
The overhaul will create Championship and Challenger series from 2028.
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Football: Donald Trump to present trophy at FIFA World Cup final
United States president Donald Trump will be on hand at New York New Jersey Stadium on 19 July.
Football: Auckland FC sign another All White, Lachlan Bayliss
Lachlan Bayliss will return from Football World Cup duty to a new A-League team.
End of the line for Moana Pasifika as bid to rescue franchise rejected
The franchise will not be part of Super Rugby Pacific next year after New Zealand Rugby rejected a bid to rescue the franchise.
Record-breaker Ronaldo guides Portugal to 5-0 win over Uzbekistan
Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score in six World Cups and Portugal's all-time leading marksman with two goals in their 5-0 win over Uzbekistan.
England left frustrated by draw with Ghana
It leaves England with work still do as they bid to progress to the knockout stage as Group L winners.
Rugby: France name squad for All Blacks Test
The country has named 33 players for the Nations Championship.
Women's T20 World Cup: White Ferns beat Scotland by six wickets
The result meant the defending champions' run rate improved into positive territory, which could help as they continue to hunt for a place in the final four.
Football: Commentator loses World Cup credentials after on-air outburst
A football commentator has been stripped of his World Cup credentials by FIFA after an expletive-laden tirade against the organisation and match officials.
White Ferns remain alive at T20 World Cup
The White Ferns have beaten Scotland by six wickets in their penultimate T20 World Cup group game to keep their semi-final hopes alive.
Time running out for Moana Pasifika rescue bid
Winston Peters says efforts to save the club have not been abandoned, but no rescue package has emerged as the franchise nears a crucial deadline.
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New Zealand Rugby rules Moana Pasifika out of Super Rugby 2027
The governing organisation has declined to grant a licence for the franchise to play in next year's Super Rugby Pacific competition.

Auckland FC signs All Whites midfielder, search ongoing for new coach
Auckland FC has confirmed the signing of All Whites midfielder Lachlan Bayliss amid an exodus of coaching staff and players.

McCullum insists no rift with Stokes after English cricket turmoil
England cricket coach Brendon McCullum insists his relationship with “good friend” and captain Ben Stokes hasn't been strained by the chaotic events of the past two weeks

'Fast as a cannon ball': World Cup goals being scored at record pace
The tournament has been one of the highest-scoring in history so far and produced nearly 25% more scoring than the same span of games in the previous World Cup.

David Nyika title eliminator fight to be broadcast on TVNZ+
The Kiwi cruiserweight boxer will take on Floyd Masson in Auckland in August in what will be the first pay-per-view boxing broadcast by TVNZ.

Breakout Warriors prop sidelined with injury
Jackson Ford would be sidelined for the rest of the NRL regular season, the club said.

Ronaldo becomes first player to score in six World Cups
The goals also make him the second-oldest player to score at a World Cup.

US eases travel restrictions on Iran's World Cup team
The squad will be allowed to travel into the country two days before its next match according to the US Department of Homeland Security.

Experts on how Messi, now 39, stays skilled and fit
The Argentine footballer has just turned a year older, but his talent and tactical awareness are still razor sharp.

White Ferns beat Scotland to stay alive in Women's T20 World Cup
A 101 run stand between Izzy Sharp and Brooke Halliday lifted the Kiwis to victory in their chase of 132.
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The 'different emotions' the All Whites dealt with before turning focus to Belgium
Joe Bell said a fortnight ago it was important to go through “difficult periods” with his team-mates. They’re certainly in one right now.
What All Whites coach said to ref after Egypt loss – and where his side erred
Darren Bazeley was still full of frustration when he spoke to Stuff almost a full day after the match.
Moana Pasifika’s life support turned off forcing more change for Super Rugby
Moana Pasifika will cease to exist after a final reprieve from New Zealand Rugby was rejected.
‘If I like racing, will you spend more time with me?’: Liam Lawson opens up on family sacrifice
Liam Lawson has admitted that pursuit of success in Formula 1 has come at the cost of his own happiness, and candidly described the sacrifices his family had to make.
Title-winning Hurricanes coach signs with English rugby club
Assistant coach Brad Cooper is leaving the Hurricanes after helping deliver the club’s first Super Rugby Pacific title in a decade.
Watch: Harry Kane misses sitter as England are held to frustrating Ghana draw
The Three Lions were kept out and looked vulnerable on the break in a tense 0-0 draw in Boston.
It’s time for Love: What the All Blacks team should be for France test
Stuff’s rugby reporters have attempted to get into Dave Rennie’s head and pick the 23 for the first test of the season in Christchurch next Saturday.
McCullum denies rift with Stokes as England confirm XI for Black Caps decider
Brendon McCullum said the returning England captain was a “good friend” after a chaotic fortnight in the midst of their test series with New Zealand.
Watch: Ronaldo shakes off criticism with historic goals in huge Portugal win
The 41-year-old became the first player to score at six World Cups as Portugal hammered Uzbekistan in Houston.
Watch: Izzy Sharp’s rescue act keeps White Ferns’ T20 World Cup hopes alive
The White Ferns beat Scotland but will need to topple England in their final group match and get a favour from elsewhere to make the semifinals.
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Moana Pasifika cut from Super Rugby in 2027
New Zealand Rugby confirms that the troubled franchise won’t be part of a 10-team competition next year.
Warriors’ spine stars’ impact softens blow of Jackson Ford's longterm loss, ahead of big Dolphins clash
Wayde Egan and Te Maire Martin are catching the eye every week for the high-flying Warriors who have just lost their star frontrower until the NRL finals.
England and Ghana play to 0-0 draw at World Cup
England dominated possession but came up empty on several late scoring opportunities in a 0-0 draw with Ghana on Tuesday at the World Cup.
‘I’m back’, announces Cristiano Ronaldo in swift Lionel Messi riposte
Ronaldo had waited a long time for this moment, five years and 12 matches in total since he last scored in open play for Portugal at a leading tournament.
NZ cricket icon Bob Blair, who lost his fiancee in the Tangiwai tragedy, dies on 94th birthday
Late cricket writer Dick Brittenden said Blair’s story was one that every Kiwi child should learn at their mother’s knee.
White Ferns’ slim World Cup playoff hopes stay alive after power hitter’s timely intervention
Rookie batter Izzy Sharp made a career-best to come to the rescue for the defending T20 champs after a scare against Scotland.
Cristiano Ronaldo roars back with two goals as Portugal beats Uzbekistan 5-0
Cristiano Ronaldo scored two goals to help Portugal roll to a 5-0 win over Uzbekistan at the World Cup, bouncing back after a disappointing performance in the team’s opening match.
Why David Havili's All Blacks career shouldn't be over despite Japan move
ANALYSIS: Just because the Crusaders captain is going to Japan, he could still do a job as a leader on the All Blacks’ toughest tour in years in August.
‘We’re still in this’: What the All Whites need to make the World Cup knockout stage
Chris Wood says his side believe they can beat the world No 10 on Saturday as their quest for history continues in Canada.
How the All Blacks could line up against France - and the case for Beauden Barrett to start
ANALYSIS: Coach Dave Rennie named four new caps on Monday but also showed the value he puts in experience, as a better-than-expected French side travels to NZ.
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Why David Havili's All Blacks career shouldn't be over despite Japan move
ANALYSIS: Just because the Crusaders captain is going to Japan, he could still do a job as a leader on the All Blacks’ toughest tour in years in August.
Tasman Trophy semi-finals promise plenty of thrills
The semi-final line-up for the Stuff Tasman Trophy is set, with the promise of tight encounters, and plenty of tries.
Crusaders captain David Havili confirms move to Japan a day after All Blacks omission
The 155-cap skipper follows two other former All Black midfielders out the Crusaders’ door for a deal with a yet-to-be-named Japanese club.
Steel brace for tough final against Mystics
Steel coach Wendy Frew expects a tough game against The Mystics on Saturday but she’s confident her team can win.
Steel overpower Tactix to book spot in ANZ Premiership grand final
Willed on by a 4000 sold out home crowd, the Southern Steel book their place in Saturday’s grand final after overcoming the Tactix.
Matatū edge plucky Hurricanes Poua to set up top of table battle
A late try from Hurricanes Poua gave them hope, but Matatū avoid a boilover loss to remain unbeaten in Super Rugby Aupiki.
Moana Pasifika cut from Super Rugby in 2027
New Zealand Rugby confirms that the troubled franchise won’t be part of a 10-team competition next year.
Warriors’ spine stars’ impact softens blow of Jackson Ford's longterm loss, ahead of big Dolphins clash
Wayde Egan and Te Maire Martin are catching the eye every week for the high-flying Warriors who have just lost their star frontrower until the NRL finals.
England and Ghana play to 0-0 draw at World Cup
England dominated possession but came up empty on several late scoring opportunities in a 0-0 draw with Ghana on Tuesday at the World Cup.
‘I’m back’, announces Cristiano Ronaldo in swift Lionel Messi riposte
Ronaldo had waited a long time for this moment, five years and 12 matches in total since he last scored in open play for Portugal at a leading tournament.
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Moana Pasifika cut from Super Rugby in 2027
New Zealand Rugby confirms that the troubled franchise won’t be part of a 10-team competition next year.
Warriors’ spine stars’ impact softens blow of Jackson Ford's longterm loss, ahead of big Dolphins clash
Wayde Egan and Te Maire Martin are catching the eye every week for the high-flying Warriors who have just lost their star frontrower until the NRL finals.
England and Ghana play to 0-0 draw at World Cup
England dominated possession but came up empty on several late scoring opportunities in a 0-0 draw with Ghana on Tuesday at the World Cup.
‘I’m back’, announces Cristiano Ronaldo in swift Lionel Messi riposte
Ronaldo had waited a long time for this moment, five years and 12 matches in total since he last scored in open play for Portugal at a leading tournament.
NZ cricket icon Bob Blair, who lost his fiancee in the Tangiwai tragedy, dies on 94th birthday
Late cricket writer Dick Brittenden said Blair’s story was one that every Kiwi child should learn at their mother’s knee.
White Ferns’ slim World Cup playoff hopes stay alive after power hitter’s timely intervention
Rookie batter Izzy Sharp made a career-best to come to the rescue for the defending T20 champs after a scare against Scotland.
Cristiano Ronaldo roars back with two goals as Portugal beats Uzbekistan 5-0
Cristiano Ronaldo scored two goals to help Portugal roll to a 5-0 win over Uzbekistan at the World Cup, bouncing back after a disappointing performance in the team’s opening match.
Why David Havili's All Blacks career shouldn't be over despite Japan move
ANALYSIS: Just because the Crusaders captain is going to Japan, he could still do a job as a leader on the All Blacks’ toughest tour in years in August.
‘We’re still in this’: What the All Whites need to make the World Cup knockout stage
Chris Wood says his side believe they can beat the world No 10 on Saturday as their quest for history continues in Canada.
How the All Blacks could line up against France - and the case for Beauden Barrett to start
ANALYSIS: Coach Dave Rennie named four new caps on Monday but also showed the value he puts in experience, as a better-than-expected French side travels to NZ.
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Welcome to the All Blacks’ Dave Rennie era
The new coach has announced his first squad – so what do the selections (and omissions) tell us?

An honest engine: Kane Williamson’s many defining Black Caps moments
He retires with more runs, more centuries and a higher average than any other New Zealand batsman. But the stats only tell us so much.

Tim Payne’s 50 best moments from New Zealand vs Iran, ranked
An exclusively Tim Payne-focused breakdown of the All Whites’ draw with Iran in their opening match of the Fifa World Cup.

The rugby league club where reo Māori is spoken first
Accessing mainstream sports competitions can be difficult for players with te reo Māori as their first language. In the depths of West Auckland, one club is going against the grain.

Social media has become a corrupted shitscape and the tech giants just shrug
Ghoulish fake news about Andrew Webster is part of a griefbait slop epidemic.

Fifa World Cup 2026: Your absolute last-minute beginner’s guide
How to watch, when not to schedule a meeting and enough talking points to bluff your way through the next five weeks of sporting chit-chat.

What’s wrong with Super Rugby?
We’re approaching the end of another season of angst over the competition’s format and future. But are there any viable alternatives?

Sexuality, sport and shame: Kane Evans isn’t alone and that’s a problem
No matter the code, the problems are the same.

Fa’afetai lava, Moana Pasfika
The team leaves behind a lesson in resilience for the next generation of brown excellence.

Watch live: the 2026 New Zealand Scrabble Nationals
Who’s ready to spend the long weekend watching Scrabble?