Category: Sport

Source: Radio New Zealand

England whiteball captain Harry Brook has admitted he lied about being on his own, when he was hit by a nightclub bouncer in Wellington on their New Zealand tour in November.

Brook, 26, told media last week he was alone, when he went to a nightclub on the night of 1 November, the eve of their one-day match against New Zealand in the capital.

He has now acknowledged other team-mates were present at the nightclub.

The Daily Telegraph had reported Brook, Jacob Bethell and Josh Tongue were at the nightclub.

“I accept responsibility for my actions in Wellington and acknowledge others were present that evening,” Brook said.

“I regret my previous comments and my intention was to protect my teammates from being drawn into a situation that arose as a result of my own decisions.

“I have apologised and will continue to reflect on the matter. This has been a challenging period in my career, but one from which I am learning.

“I recognise I have more to learn regarding the off-field responsibilities that come with leadership and captaincy. I remain committed to developing in this area, and to improving both personally and professionally.”

The New Zealand tour was Brook’s first as captain of England’s whiteball side. They lost the match in Wellington.

Brook was fined £30,000 (NZ$70,000) and given a final warning, after he reported the incident to team management, but that only came to light publicly about two months later, after the Ashes series, which Australia won 4-1.

In an interview with BBC Sport last week, Brook said some players had gone with him to get some food in Wellington.

“I took it upon myself to go out for a few more and I was on my own there. I shouldn’t have been there.

“I was trying to get into a club and the bouncer just clocked me, unfortunately. I wouldn’t say I was absolutely leathered – I’d had one too many drinks.”

The Daily Telegraph reported the cricket regulator was preparing a report, after receiving paperwork on Brook, Bethell and Tongue from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) last week. It said Bethell and Tongue had also already been fined by the ECB.

The regulator was able to fine or suspend players for disciplinary offences.

When he apologised to the England team and fans last week, Brook rejected suggestions the side had a drinking culture.

There had been criticism on the Ashes tour, when a video surfaced of opener Ben Duckett apparently drunk during the team’s mid-tour break in Noosa.

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/01/english-cricketer-harry-brook-admits-lying-about-wellington-nightclub-incident/

Source: Radio New Zealand

Mitch Evans has negotiated wet weather with aplomb to win the Formula E round in Miami, while fellow-Kiwi driver Nick Cassidy has retained the series lead.

Evans kept his Jaguar in front of Porsche’s Nico Müller and Pascal Wehrlein and 17 other rivals in the 41-lap race.

Without a point in the first two rounds, Evans produced an exceptional drive from ninth on the grid, taking advantage of a number of problems besetting cars in front of him.

A clever passing move on the 27th lap took Evans past German Müller in the key moment of the race, with the New Zealander eventually winning by 3.1 seconds.

It was his 15th career win in the class.

Despite a non-score in 16th, Mexico City winner Cassidy still leads the drivers standings for Citroen, two points ahead of Wehrlein’s 38.

The next round is in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in late February.

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/01/mitch-evans-clocks-formula-e-triumph-in-miami/

Source: Radio New Zealand

In-form New Zealand cyclist Ally Wollaston has powered to victory at the Great Ocean Race in Victoria, defending her title in emphatic style.

Wollaston became the first person – man or woman – to go back-to-back at the World Tour near Melbourne, timing her sprint to perfection for her FDJ-United Suez team.

It follows on from her brilliant display at last month’s Tour Down Under in Adelaide, where she won the first two sprint stages to lead overall going into the final stage, before finishing down the field.

The 25-year-old struggled on some of the race’s climbs on Saturday but managed to chase back to the pack.

She said her teammates played a key part in setting her up for the sprint.

“Amazing. So I owe it to my teammates today, if they weren’t there, there’s no way I would have gone back,” Wollaston said.

“After Tour Down Under, I struggled a little bit with sickness… so, yeah, I wasn’t hugely confident going into today. I had no idea whether that day would be today or not.

“And the first lap, I said to the girls, ‘I’m really struggling.’ So they just kept me grounded, and I had a few tough words in my race radio saying that I could do it. The belief was pretty strong from the team today.”

Wollaston’s winning time was just under four hours, seeing off British runner-up Josie Nelson and Spaniard Mireia Benito in the dash to the line.

“It’s amazing. It’s a real dream start to the season,” said Wollaston.

“And I think every year, you want to do better than the last, and I’ve already started this year better than last year. So, yeah, it’s a really dream start, and I’m so looking forward to carrying this momentum into the rest of the season.”

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/01/ally-wollaston-sprints-to-great-ocean-road-race-victory/

Source: Radio New Zealand

Follow all the action as Alexander Volkanovski takes on Diego Lopes for the UFC featherweight chamionship at UFC 325 in Sydney.

The card features two fighters from New Zealand, co-main Dan ‘the Hangman’ Hooker and Lawrence Lui in the early pre-lims.

Aaron Tau, who was scheduled to take on Mongolian Namsrai Baybayar, will not get the chance to fight for a UFC contract after weighing in above the flyweight limit.

Early pre-lims start around 11am NZT.

UFC 325 Main Card

• Alexander Volkanovski (c) v Diego Lopes for the UFC featherweight championship
• Dan Hooker vs. Benoit Saint Denis at Lightweight
• Rafael Fiziev vs. Mauricio Ruffy at Lightweight
• Tai Tuivasa vs. Tallison Teixeira at Heavyweight
• Quillan Salkilld vs. Jamie Mullarkey at Lightweight

Prelims

• Junior Tafa vs. Billy Elekana at Light Heavyweight
• Cam Rowston vs. Cody Brundage at Middleweight
• Jacob Malkoun vs. Torrez Finney at Middleweight
• Jonathan Micallef vs. Oban Elliott at Welterweight

Early prelims

• Kaan Ofli vs. Yizha at Featherweight
• Kim Sang-wook vs. Dom Mar Fan at Lightweight
• Keiichiro Nakamura vs. Sebastian Szalay at Featherweight
• Lawrence Lui (NZ) vs. Sulangrangbo at Bantamweight

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/01/ufc-325-live-updates-volkanovski-v-lopes-2-featuring-dan-hooker-lawrence-lui/

Source: Radio New Zealand

Northern Districts have consigned Canterbury to a sixth successive runners-up finish in the T20 Super Smash after winning the men’s final by five wickets at Hagley Oval.

Two decades after lifting the trophy in the inaugural season the Cantabrians’ drought continued after being outplayed by the visitors, who were top qualifiers for the decider after dropping only one game all season.

They ended up coasting to victory with more than two overs to spare, reaching 173-5 in response to the home side’s 171-5.

Northern took control after winning the toss, reducing Canterbury to 57/5 in the ninth over, including the removal of Black Caps pair Tom Latham and Henry Nicholls.

The hosts fought back through an unbeaten stand of 114 from 69 balls between Mitchell Hay (56 not out) and Leo Carter (54 not out).

Brett Hampton took 3-37 and sealed man-of-the-match honours by top-scoring in Northern’s response, smashing 55 off just 26 balls at the top of the order, plundering five sixes.

Joe Carter posted 47, helping keep his side well ahead of the required run rate.

Seamer Michael Rae took 3-37 for Canterbury.

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/01/cricket-northern-districts-beat-luckless-canterbury-in-super-smash-mens-final/

Source: Radio New Zealand

Injuries have marred Auckland FC’s 2-1 loss to Perth Glory – result that sees the visitors drop from first to third in the A-League standings.

Jesse Randall put Auckland in front just before halftime, rounding out a week in which it was announced the young forward will join Scottish club Dundee United at the end of the season.

However, Steve Corica’s team failed to hold on, conceding goals to Jaiden Kucharski in the 75th and 90th minutes to leave them with just one win from their last six matches.

Of concern to Corica will be injuries that forced goalkeeper Oli Sail and defender Nando Pijnaker from the field.

Sail, who replaced Michael Woud in the starting lineout, was stretchered from the field with an apparent knee problem midway through the second half, having slipped while taking a goal kick.

Pijnaker was forced off in the first spell with an unspecified leg injury.

Newcastle Jets have claimed top spot on the table, followed by Sydney FC.

Auckland FC’s next two matches are against Sydney – the first at home on Saturday next week.

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/01/football-auckland-fc-lose-a-league-top-spot-after-perth-defeat/

Source: Radio New Zealand

Northern Districts have lived up to their top seeding with a five-wicket win over the Canterbury Magicians to claim the Super Smash men’s domestic T20 crown at Hagley Oval.

Chasing 172 runs for victory, the regular-season leaders showed their class, reaching their target with more than two overs to spare – their third title in the past five years.

Canterbury were in early trouble, losing the toss and put into bat. Opener Chad Bowes fell to the third ball of the innings from Zak Gibson and the Magicians were staggering at 57/5 in the ninth over.

Black Caps test captain Tom Latham was the only member of the top order to gather any momentum, accumulating 34 off 23 balls, but when he and captain Cole McConchie fell within six balls, Northern seemed well in control.

Wicketkeeper Mitch Hay and Leo Carter both scored half-centuries to rescue their team somewhat, putting on a century stand that dragged them to 171/5 after their allotted overs.

Hay was unbeaten on 56 off 34 balls, including three sixes, while Carter had 54 off 36, with seven fours, but the total seemed a few runs short of par.

Brett Hampton was the best of the bowlers with 3/37 off his four overs, while spinner Tim Pringle was the most economic with 1/20 off his four.

Northern began the chase strongly, with openers Katene Clarke and Hampton compiling 89 off 49 balls for the first wicket.

Both were dismissed by Michael Rae in the ninth over and the Magicians took 4/23 to halt the charge. Hampton hammered 55 off 23 balls, including five sixes, and was ultimately named Player of the Match.

They were still well ahead of the required run rate, which became less than a run a ball, when Joe Carter sent Rae towards the perimeter fence in the 17th over.

Rae had the last laugh though, as Carter (47 off 28) ballooned the next ball to Bowes, leaving his lower order to find 15 runs for victory.

He need not have worried, as Scott Kuggeleijn audaciously lapped Fraser Sheat over the keeper for four in the next over to complete the win with 13 balls to spare.

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/31/cricket-northern-districts-cruise-to-super-smash-mens-title/

Source: Radio New Zealand

Wellington Blaze have beaten Auckland Hearts to claim the Super Smash women’s crown in a nailbiting final in Christchurch.

The Blaze won their seventh title in the past nine years and closed off their second threepeat in that time.

Chasing 147 to win, they reached their target with a ball to spare, thanks to captain Jess Kerr, who hit 17 runs, including two sixes and a boundary, in the final over at Hagley Oval.

Kerr was unbeaten on 46, the hero of the five-wicket victory, as she orchestrated the late surge, after the innings faltered in the middle stages.

Opener Rebecca Burns hit an imperious 55 from 41 balls and put on 66 for the first wicket with Georgia Plimmer (28 from 27), before things went awry for a while.

The Hearts batted first and scored 146/5, with their top order all getting starts. Izzy Gaze and Brook Halliday both scored 31, and captain Maddy Green 29, while Xara Jetly took 2/27 for the Blaze.

Burns and Plimmer got the Blaze off to a great start in their chase, but things slowed after their departures, with Jetly and Hannah Francis dismissed cheaply, and Kerr, batting at No 3, having trouble finding strike.

She and Jess McFadyen (11) combined to give them a chance in the latter stages, and were still together when they needed 16 off the final over from Halliday.

On their scoring rate up, it looked a few runs too many, but Kerr hit a six off the second ball, before McFadyen was run out trying for a second run off the third ball.

Kerr smacked another six and then hit a cover drive to the boundary to give the Blaze the win, as her teammates stormed the field.

Molly Penfold was the best of the Heart bowlers, with 2/14 off her four overs.

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/31/wellington-blaze-surge-late-to-claim-super-smash-crown-again/

Source: Radio New Zealand

England whiteball captain Harry Brook has admitted he lied about being on his own, when he was hit by a nightclub bouncer in Wellington on their New Zealand tour in November.

Brook, 26, told media last week he was alone, when he went to a nightclub on the night of 1 November, the eve of their one-day match against New Zealand in the capital.

He has now acknowledged other team-mates were present at the nightclub.

The Daily Telegraph had reported Brook, Jacob Bethell and Josh Tongue were at the nightclub.

“I accept responsibility for my actions in Wellington and acknowledge others were present that evening,” Brook said.

“I regret my previous comments and my intention was to protect my teammates from being drawn into a situation that arose as a result of my own decisions.

“I have apologised and will continue to reflect on the matter. This has been a challenging period in my career, but one from which I am learning.

“I recognise I have more to learn regarding the off-field responsibilities that come with leadership and captaincy. I remain committed to developing in this area, and to improving both personally and professionally.”

The New Zealand tour was Brook’s first as captain of England’s whiteball side. They lost the match in Wellington.

Brook was fined £30,000 (NZ$70,000) and given a final warning, after he reported the incident to team management, but that only came to light publicly about two months later, after the Ashes series, which Australia won 4-1.

In an interview with BBC Sport last week, Brook said some players had gone with him to get some food in Wellington.

“I took it upon myself to go out for a few more and I was on my own there. I shouldn’t have been there.

“I was trying to get into a club and the bouncer just clocked me, unfortunately. I wouldn’t say I was absolutely leathered – I’d had one too many drinks.”

The Daily Telegraph reported the cricket regulator was preparing a report, after receiving paperwork on Brook, Bethell and Tongue from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) last week. It said Bethell and Tongue had also already been fined by the ECB.

The regulator was able to fine or suspend players for disciplinary offences.

When he apologised to the England team and fans last week, Brook rejected suggestions the side had a drinking culture.

There had been criticism on the Ashes tour, when a video surfaced of opener Ben Duckett apparently drunk during the team’s mid-tour break in Noosa.

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/31/english-cricketer-harry-brooks-admits-lying-about-wellington-nightclub-incident/

Source: Radio New Zealand

Teenager Karim Lopez came alive in the closing minutes as the Breakers upset Melbourne United 97-95 in Auckland to keep their Australian NBL playoff hopes alive.

The rising Mexican star scored 14 of his game-high 32 points in the last five minutes as the home side pulled ahead to secure a much-needed upset win.

It was a career-high haul for Lopez, whose deeds helped the Breakers overturn an eight point deficit with five minutes to play.

Victory lifts them to seventh (11-17) and one win behind the Jackjumpers (11-18), who hold down the sixth and final playoff spot, with the two teams to meet in a crucial contest in Tasmania on Sunday.

After that, the Breakers have just four games remaining as they launch a bold bid for a post-season berth, knowing they’re without the services of injured big men Rob Baker and Sam Mennenga for the rest of the campaign.

Lopez stepped into the void, the 18-year-old showing why he is regarded as a potential NBA player.

His scoring was complemented by eight rebounds, two assists and two blocks.

Guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright finished with 23 points while centre Rob Loe’s 10 points were mixed with five rebounds, three assists and three blocks.

The Breakers shot exceptionally to open up a 17-8 lead but fourth-placed Melbourne edged the middle stages, led by 23 points from Jesse Edwards.

After the match, former Breakers player Tom Abercrombie was honoured by having his jersey retired.

A four-time NBL champion, Abercrombie played from 2008 to 2024 and notched a club-record 429 games.

He addressed the crowd as his No.10 jersey was hung from the rafters at Spark Arena.

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/31/karim-lopez-leads-breakers-to-upset-anbl-win-over-melbourne/

Source: Radio New Zealand

Teenager Karim Lopez came alive in the closing minutes as the Breakers upset Melbourne United 97-95 in Auckland to keep their NBL playoff hopes alive.

The rising Mexican star scored 14 of his game-high 32 points in the last five minutes as the home side pulled ahead to secure a much-needed upset win.

It was a career-high haul for Lopez, whose deeds helped the Breakers overturn an eight point deficit with five minutes to play.

Victory lifts them to seventh (11-17) and one win behind the Jackjumpers (11-18), who hold down the sixth and final playoff spot, with the two teams to meet in a crucial contest in Tasmania on Sunday.

After that, the Breakers have just four games remaining as they launch a bold bid for a post-season berth, knowing they’re without the services of injured big men Rob Baker and Sam Mennenga for the rest of the campaign.

Lopez stepped into the void, the 18-year-old showing why he is regarded as a potential NBA player.

His scoring was complemented by eight rebounds, two assists and two blocks.

Guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright finished with 23 points while centre Rob Loe’s 10 points were mixed with five rebounds, three assists and three blocks.

The Breakers shot exceptionally to open up a 17-8 lead but fourth-placed Melbourne edged the middle stages, led by 23 points from Jesse Edwards.

After the match, former Breakers player Tom Abercrombie was honoured by having his jersey retired.

A four-time NBL champion, Abercrombie played from 2008 to 2024 and notched a club-record 429 games.

He addressed the crowd as his No.10 jersey was hung from the rafters at Spark Arena.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/31/karim-lopez-leads-breakers-to-upset-nbl-win-over-melbourne/

Source: Radio New Zealand

Wellington Phoenix have squandered a two-goal advantage and missed a late penalty in a roller-coaster 2-2 home draw against Melbourne City.

Wellington’s 500th A-League match result was exactly the same as their first, having drawn 2-2 with Melbourne Victory in their inaugural competition fixture in 2007.

Coach Giancarlo Italiano was in no mood to reminisce, believing his side deserved the three points, paying a heavy price for defensive lapses late in the match.

“I don’t know what to make of that game to be honest,” Italiano told media.

“I’m disappointed. I feel as though if we play that game 20 times, that won’t be the result.”

The result doesn’t help the ninth placed home side in their bid to climb into the top six, with Brisbane and Melbourne City both still two points ahead of them in sixth and seventh respectively on a congested table.

Striker Ifeanyi Eze scored once in each half to put Wellington in control but the visitors scored twice in a five minute period, with their second coming via a dreadful mistake in possession from Bill Tuiloma.

Seasoned All Whites international Tuiloma was composed in his first match for the Phoenix but his error was highlighted by Italiano.

“The second goal was just comical. I’m not going to sit here and blame anyone for it. Bill [Tuiloma] got caught in possession, but I thought he was outstanding for the rest of the game.

“I thought with the ball he gave us a different dimension, especially in the first half under pressure.”

Manjrekar James had a chance to win the match for the Phoenix in stoppage time but his penalty was saved.

“But the penalty isn’t the reason we ended up drawing, it was that five minutes where we should have just done a little bit better,” Italiano said.

Wellington face another crucial home match on Friday, against the eighth-placed Melbourne Victory.

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/31/wellington-phoenix-settle-for-draw-in-500th-a-league-match/

Source: Radio New Zealand

Canterbury will contest a sixth consecutive Super Smash T20 men’s final after trouncing Auckland in their knockout clash in Christchurch.

The Cantabrians will take momentum into Saturday night’s decider against top qualifiers Northern Districts.

The home side’s disciplined bowling attack proved too much for Auckland, who crumbled to be all out for 106 in 18.4 overs at Hagley Oval.

Captain Cole McConchie returned three for 20 and Fraser Sheat three for 13 while in the chase, marking his 100th T20 match for Canterbury. Opener Chad Bowes powered to an unbeaten 59 off 31 balls, with 9.3 overs to spare.

Canterbury get another crack – under lights – at winning a competition they haven’t won since its inception in 2005/06.

Saturday afternoon’s women’s final will see Wellington Blaze play the Auckland Hearts, also at Hagley Oval.

Auckland knocked out Northern Districts, led by a fine all-round showing from captain Maddy Green.

Wellington are chasing a women’s three-peat, having qualified for a ninth successive final.

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/31/canterbury-crush-auckland-to-set-up-super-smash-final-against-nd/

Source: Radio New Zealand

Sometime in the next three years – perhaps this year – Haizyn Mellars hopes to create a slice of NZ Warriors club history, when he follows his dad into the NRL.

Centre Vince Mellars chalked up seven first-grade appearances for the Auckland club across 2003/04, and 17 more from Cronulla Sharks and Sydney Roosters, before a rugby stint with the Crusaders and Canterbury, and four more years with English league clubs.

Mellars Jnr was born during his father’s tenure at Mt Smart and brought the circle almost (but not quite) complete, when he signed with the Warriors through 2028.

While coach Andrew Webster is excited by his potential on the wing – a position exposed for depth last season – Mellars admits he could just as easily have followed in his mother’s sporting footsteps.

Charmian Mellars (formerly Purcell) comes from a proud Kiwi basketball family. She won Commonwealth Games silver at Melbourne 2006 and, along with sister Natalie, was a member of the Tall Ferns squad at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

“When I was younger, basketball was definitely one of my biggest passions,” Mellars says. “I got to the age of 17, and I could have gone to college or NRL.

“My old lady and old man just backed me, whatever I chose, and I wanted to follow in my dad’s footsteps.

“I can tell you right now, I wouldn’t be who I am or where I am without my parents. My mum and dad help me keep my head screwed on.

“When it comes to adversity and the things they’ve been through, they’ve always been in my corner. They’ve definitely been a rock for me in my journey.”

Growing up in Queensland, he began his league journey with Brisbane club Wynnum Manly, before joining the South Sydney NRL pathway.

The roundball path might have taken the 1.93m (6ft 4in) shooting guard through Utah’s Brigham Young University, the Mormon school where many of his uncles and aunties pursued their dreams.

With the league season approaching, Mellars insists he’s tried to avoid the basketball hoop beneath to the Mt Smart grandstand, but also hints he has taken down some of the hoops wannabes among his teammates and set his sights on the reigning king of the court.

“Roger will tell you he’s the best in the club,” he says.

Veterans Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak are the clear incumbents on the Warriors wings, so the hoops crown is not the only thing Mellars craves from his idol.

“I’ve grown up watching them boys play and couldn’t wait to do things like they do,” he says. “Roge is so professional – the way he conducts himself and obviously he’s been in the game a long time.

“Being able to watch what he does, even his little habits off the field… the way he looks after his body and preps for training.

“Dallin’s been really good, like a big brother, asking me questions and what I think of things, and telling me where I could be better.”

The Warriors have never had a father and son play first grade, but they potentially have two in the pipeline, with development halfback Jett Cleary following in the footsteps of dad Ivan, who played in one grand final and coached another at the club.

The Clearys probably have their noses ahead in that race.

When Lorina Papali’i became a foundation of the Warriors women’s programme, she achieved a mother-son milestone with 63-game second-rower Isaiah, while last season, teenager Ivana Lauitiiti scored on debut to emulate father and club legend Ali 27 years earlier.

Returning to his birthplace seems a relatively simple decision for Mellars.

“Being home was a big factor for me,” he says. “I have a lot of connection to my culture here.

“Growing up, the Warriors were one of my favourite teams, so coming back here was awesome.

“Webby was also a big factor for me. My dad always said go to a place where you want to play for the coach and I want to play for Webby.

“For me, he was not just inviting, but instilled that belief in my potential. I liked the way he was person before player, and was really interested in getting to know who I am and what I’m about, before what I can do on the field.”

Fully completing the family circle is still some way off. Without a single NRL game to his name, Mellars has been recruited on promise, and presumably still finds himself behind back-up fullback Taine Tuaupiki and former tryscoring champion Alofiano Khan-Pereira on the depth chart.

“That would mean more to me than a lot of things in my life,” he admits. “Obviously, with my old man playing, it’s really cool to be here.

“If I could wear that jersey, I promise I’ll rip in and give it a crack for sure.”

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/31/nz-warriors-rookie-haizyn-mellars-follows-fathers-footsteps-back-to-mt-smart/

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Auckland Hearts have booked a place in tomorrow’s Super Smash T20 women’s final after a convincing eight wicket win over the Northern Brave.

The Northern Brave won the toss and elected to bat first in the elimination final in Christchurch.

Nensi Patel anchored the innings with a top score of 46 but wickets kept falling around her.

Auckland Hearts captain Maddy Green led the way with four wickets and two catches and the Brave were dismissed for 138, just inside 20 overs.

Chasing 139 to win, the Hearts made it look easy, losing just two wickets a long the way. Prue Catton top scored with 56 not out.

The Auckland Hearts will meet the defending champion Wellington Blaze in tomorrow’s Super Smash final in Christchurch.

In the men’s Twenty20 competition the Canterbury Kings play the Auckland Aces in the other elimination final this evening. The winner will meet the Northern Brave in tomorrow’s final.

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/30/auckland-hearts-to-meet-wellington-in-super-smash-t20-womens-final/

Source: Radio New Zealand

The world number one has denied New Zealand squash star Paul Coll a maiden Tournament of Champions title in New York.

Egyptian Mostafa Asal dominated the final of the platinum level tournament 3-0.

Coll, ranked number two in the world, was competing in the prestigious final for the first time and so was Mostafa, who clinched his first Tournament of Champions title with a 58 minute victory.

Asal looked impressive from the outset, grinding Coll down over 24 minutes in the opening game to take an 11-6 win.

Coll struggled to find any momentum in the second as Asal found his rhythm and showcased his class, hitting a barrage of winners to dominate the scoreline 11-1.

It was more of the same in the final game, Asal writing his name in the history books at Grand Central Terminal, growing a commanding lead and playing his trademark precision squash to win 11-4.

Coll will next be in action at the Windy City Open in Chicago, starting 5 February.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/30/world-squash-number-one-denies-paul-coll-maiden-title-in-quick-fashion/

Source: Radio New Zealand

There’s been a moment’s silence at the pre-season clash between the Chiefs and Fijian Drua at Mount Maunganui.

After stepping onto the field under a blistering sun, players stood opposite each other – Chiefs players with arms around each other – to mark the landslip tragedy.

There was a sell-out crowd of 5000 people watching on, with fans forming a long queue to get into Blake Park.

It’s been a week and a day since the deadly landslide at nearby Mauao.

Ahead of kick-off, spectators were asked to stand if they were able and told the silence was to honour those who lost their lives.

“We also recognise the first responders, community support and volunteers who have stood alongside this community with courage, care and aroha,” the announcer said.

A few days earlier, both teams took to Mt Maunganui’s beach and together formed a huge circle to pay their respects in unison.

“Standing together at Mt Maunganui to pay our respects. E whakaaro ana mō ngā whānau pani,” Fijian Drua wrote on Facebook afterwards.

Members of the Chiefs have also been seen at the cordon a short distance from the mountain where recovery work is ongoing.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/30/moment-silence-at-chiefs-vs-fijian-drua-clash-at-mt-maunganui/

Source: Radio New Zealand

There’s been a moment’s silence at the pre-season clash between the Chiefs and Fiji Drua at Mount Maunganui.

After stepping onto the field under a blistering sun, players stood opposite each other – Chiefs players with arms around each other – to mark the landslip tragedy.

There was a sell-out crowd of 5000 people watching on, with fans forming a long queue to get into Blake Park.

It’s been a week and a day since the deadly landslide at nearby Mauao.

Ahead of kick-off, spectators were asked to stand if they were able and told the silence was to honour those who lost their lives.

“We also recognise the first responders, community support and volunteers who have stood alongside this community with courage, care and aroha,” the announcer said.

A few days earlier, both teams took to Mt Maunganui’s beach and together formed a huge circle to pay their respects in unison.

“Standing together at Mt Maunganui to pay our respects. E whakaaro ana mō ngā whānau pani,” Fiji Drua wrote on Facebook afterwards.

Members of the Chiefs have also been seen at the cordon a short distance from the mountain where recovery work is ongoing.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/30/moment-silence-at-chiefs-vs-fiji-drua-clash-at-mt-maunganui/

Source: Radio New Zealand

Wellington Firebirds pace-bowler Ben Sears will join the Black Caps as a travelling reserve for the ICC T20 World Cup in India, starting in a week.

Sears will replace Kyle Jamieson, who was called into the main squad last week following the withdrawal of Adam Milne with a hamstring injury.

The 27-year-old will link up with the T20 World Cup squad in Mumbai on Sunday ahead of the side’s warm-up match against the US on 6 February.

In 2024, Sears was also named as a travelling reserve player in New Zealand’s squad for the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup tournament.

Black Caps coach Rob Walter said Sears had made an encouraging comeback from the hamstring injury that ruled him out of the start of the home summer.

“Ben’s worked hard to get himself back on the park and it’s been great to see him back playing and performing well,” Walter said.

“He’s had a full Super Smash campaign with the Firebirds where he was the competition’s joint second-top wicket-taker from the round-robin stage with 15 wickets from his nine games.

“It will be great to have Ben with us here in India and ready to make an impact at the World Cup should someone get injured.”

The Black Caps are in Group D alongside Afghanistan, Canada, South Africa and the UAE, with their opening match on 8 February in Chennai against Afghanistan.

Black Caps T20 World Cup cricket squad

• Mitchell Santner (c) – Northern Brave
• Finn Allen – Auckland Aces
• Michael Bracewell – Wellington Firebirds
• Mark Chapman – Auckland Aces
• Devon Conway – Wellington Firebirds
• Jacob Duffy – Volts
• Lockie Ferguson – Auckland Aces
• Matt Henry – Canterbury Kings
• Kyle Jamieson – Canterbury Kings
• Daryl Mitchell – Canterbury Kings
• James Neesham – Auckland Aces
• Glenn Phillips – Volts
• Rachin Ravindra – Wellington Firebirds
• Tim Seifert – Northern Brave
• Ish Sodhi – Canterbury Kings

*Ben Sears – Wellington Firebirds – travelling reserve

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/30/cricket-ben-sears-named-travelling-reserve-for-a-second-t20-world-cup/

Source: Radio New Zealand

While professional rugby is a relatively recent development, 30 years certainly feels like a long time ago for some of the players who ran out for the inaugural Super Rugby season. Known as Super 12 for the first 10 seasons, the competition revolutionised every aspect of rugby both on the field and off.

Now, after several name changes and even more to its format, we have Super Rugby Pacific. This year’s edition will follow on from what was seen as a real return to form in 2025, with the competition serving up the sort of attacking rugby that made it instantly popular all those years ago.

Former Highlanders wing Jeff Wilson said that it was clear there’s been a shift to recapture that feeling.

“There was a conversation about the fans and what Super Rugby should look like, the way it should be played and the influence of the referees,”

“I think there was a real collective feeling that there’s an open game, there’s the sort of rugby that people can get excited about, where it’s competitive, and action and tries.”

Justin Marshall, who played in five championship winning Crusaders seasons, said that things have come a long way since the competition’s inception. In 1996 the game had just gone through a protracted battle for control between media powerbrokers Kerry Packer and Rupert Murdoch, which meant players had stayed in their previous jobs outside of rugby in case everything fell over.

“When we got together with the Crusaders, all of that stuff was working itself out between Packer and Murdoch. So we were training really early in the morning at 5:30am, then going off to work and then we’d train again later in the afternoon,” said Marshall.

“It was strange for me as a 21-year-old, but I can see where a lot of the older guys, Stu and Richard Loe, Chris England, Mike Brewer…they wanted to make sure they still had employment.”

Future All Black test centurion Mils Muliaina watched both Wilson and Marshall, as a teenager at Southland Boys High School. Mulaina would go on the play for the Blues and Chiefs over the from 2001-11 and reflected that Super 12 was a game changer for young fans like himself.

“It was this new sort of competition, it was vibrant, exciting, colourful. We had cheerleaders! So as a 16-year-old you’re thinking ‘how awesome would it be to play this’. The Highlanders would come to Invercargill and I would see other brown faces, I remember seeing Lio Falaniko and thinking he was a massive beast…I hadn’t seen too many brown faces around before.”

This year’s competition kicks off on 13 February, with the Highlanders hosting the Crusaders at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin. Wilson is unashamedly confident his old team can pull off an upset against the defending champions.

“The one thing the Highlanders can do is get out to the fast start…I think you’re more likely to get an upset in round one, for me anyone can win any of these games because some teams will hit the ground running faster than others.”

The following night sees another big derby between the Blues and Chiefs at Eden Park. The Chiefs are coming off three defeats in the final in a row, however Marshall is confident this could be the year their heartbreak ends.

“You never, ever get anything but complete performances out of the Chiefs. They’re just a classy outfit, so it’s going to be a hell of a good game,” he said.

Muliaina, who won a Super 12 title with the Blues in 2003, can’t split his two former teams.

“The Blues fell into a bit of a hole at the start of last season, then they got back, there’s a new coaching staff at the Chiefs…I can’t pick this one.”

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/30/super-rugby-pacific-countdown-legends-reflect-on-competitions-history/