Category: Sport

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NZ-AU: Innovation Beverage Group Provides Update on Merger with BlockFuel Energy and Production Restart to Advance Dual Revenue Model Spanning Energy and Digital Asset Mining

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-NZ-AU)

SYDNEY, Feb. 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Innovation Beverage Group Ltd (“IBG” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: IBG), an innovative developer, manufacturer, and marketer of a growing beverage portfolio of 60 formulations across 13 alcoholic and non-alcoholic brands, today provided an update regarding its proposed merger with BlockFuel Energy Inc., a Texas corporation (“BFE”), including operational, financial, and strategic milestones that position the combined transaction parties as a capital-efficient energy producer with a differentiated digital infrastructure growth strategy.

The companies remain on track to complete the merger in the first quarter of 2026, subject to customary approvals and closing conditions. Integration planning continues, with a clear focus on building a vertically integrated platform that monetizes hydrocarbons through both conventional sales channels and potential digital energy applications.

Ten wells are currently back in production, with an additional seven wells expected to be returned to production by month-end, materially increasing active production and available gas volumes across the portfolio.

BFE expects to complete its first oil and gas sales in February 2026, with initial revenues anticipated before the end of the first quarter ended March 31, 2026. These initial oil and gas revenues are expected to provide near-term cash-flow visibility following completion of the merger.

Digital Energy and Mining Strategy

In parallel with production restarts, planning is advancing for the potential deployment of digital mining infrastructure powered directly by natural gas produced onsite. Initial planning takes into consideration modular, wellhead-adjacent generation and mining deployments, allowing capacity to scale in-line with gas availability and capital deployment.

Based on preliminary engineering and comparable field deployments, BFE management believes onsite gas-to-power costs may be meaningfully below grid-based power pricing, while avoiding transportation, processing, and third-party power costs. Even modest allocations of produced gas to digital infrastructure may support incremental margins per unit of gas, while preserving flexibility to sell gas into traditional markets.

Daniel Lanskey, Chief Executive Officer of BlockFuel Energy, commented, “We view Bitcoin mining not as speculation, but as energy infrastructure. At its core, our strategy is about converting underutilized natural gas at the site into productive, revenue-generating capacity. By collocating modular power and mining directly at the wellhead, we believe the combined company can deploy capital efficiently, operate at a low effective energy cost, and scale output in-line with production. This approach has the potential to improve overall project economics while giving shareholders disciplined exposure to digital asset upside.”

The integrated energy-and-mining model is expected to enhance resilience across commodity cycles and provide a flexible demand sink for gas, while creating incremental cash flow per well without compromising conventional production strategy.

Portfolio Expansion and Scale

Further strengthening the asset base, BFE has executed a Letter of Intent with a previous vendor to acquire additional nearby producing oil fields, adding approximately 4,000 contiguous acres to its portfolio. The proposed acquisition is expected to both expand scale and improve operating efficiencies, increasing gas volumes available for both traditional sales and digital energy initiatives.

Management of the companies believe these milestones demonstrate disciplined execution across production, capital formation, and infrastructure planning, while reinforcing the strategic rationale for the IBG-BFE merger.

Upon completion, the combined group is expected to emerge as a small-cap, integrated energy company with near-term production, diversified revenue streams, and a scalable gas-to-digital infrastructure platform positioned to deliver long-term shareholder value.

Further updates will be provided as the merger, financing, production restart, digital mining deployment, and acquisition initiatives continue to progress toward completion.

About Innovation Beverage Group Ltd

Innovation Beverage Group is a developer, manufacturer, marketer, exporter, and retailer of a growing beverage portfolio of 60 formulations across 13 alcoholic and non-alcoholic brands for which it owns exclusive manufacturing rights. Focused on premium and super premium brands and market categories where it can disrupt age old brands, IBG’s brands include Australian Bitters, BITTERTALES, Drummerboy Spirits, Twisted Shaker, and more. IBG’s most successful brand to date is Australian Bitters, which is a well-established and favored bitters brand in Australia. Established in 2018, IBG’s headquarters, manufacturing and flavor innovation center are located in Sydney, Australia with a U.S. sales office located in California. For more information visit: https://www.innovationbev.com/.

About BlockFuel Energy

BlockFuel Energy is involved in the acquisition, exploration and development of proven oil fields onshore in North America. By turning natural gas at the source, including stranded and flared gas, into a potent resource for the digital era, BlockFuel Energy intends to redefine the energy industry. BlockFuel Energy combines state-of-the-art power generation with oil and gas exploration to power bitcoin mining operations and high-performance data centers. Our vertically integrated concept allows us to use co-location and modular power generation techniques to optimize efficiency and investment returns. Our cutting-edge solutions for energy optimization and extraction will enable us to transform underdeveloped resources into high-margin, scalable, and sustainable revenue streams. For more information visit: https://blockfuelenergy.com/.

Forward Looking Statement

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the proposed merger between IBG and BlockFuel Energy, anticipated operational milestones, expected production levels, anticipated oil and gas sales, planned financing activities, potential deployment of digital infrastructure, expected economic benefits of such activities, and the proposed acquisition of additional oil field assets.

Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “projects,” “intends,” “believes,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” or similar expressions. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. These risks include, among others, the ability of the parties to execute definitive transaction documents, satisfy closing conditions, obtain regulatory and stockholder approvals, commodity price volatility, operational risks, financing risks, regulatory developments relating to digital assets, and other risks described in IBG’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Neither IBG nor BFE undertakes any obligation to update such statements except as required by law.

Contact:

Innovation Beverage Group Limited
Sahil Beri
CEO
sahil@innovationbev.com
www.innovationbev.com

BlockFuel Energy Inc.
Daniel Lanskey
President and CEO
dan.lanskey@blockfuelenergy.com
www.blockfuelenergy.com

Investor Relations:
KCSA Strategic Communications
Phil Carlson, Managing Director
BlockFuel@KCSA.com

– Published by The MIL Network

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/12/nz-au-innovation-beverage-group-provides-update-on-merger-with-blockfuel-energy-and-production-restart-to-advance-dual-revenue-model-spanning-energy-and-digital-asset-mining/

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APAS Made Debut at Industry Flagship Event Asia Photonics Expo 2026 in Singapore Showcases Automotive Photonics Innovations

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 February 2026 – Centre of Advanced Power and Autonomous Systems (APAS), under the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), made its first-ever appearance at the Asia Photonics Expo (APE 2026)—Asia’s leading platform for photonics technology innovation—held in Singapore from 4 to 6 February. During the exhibition, APAS showcased its advanced automotive photonics R&D achievements to photonics experts and enterprises in the field from across Asia and around the world. Featured innovations included an Automotive-grade MEMS Drive OIS Actuator and an Augmented Reality Head-up Display for Commercial Vehicles.

Meanwhile, APAS organised the “Go Global to Southeast Asia: Singapore Photonics and Emerging Industries Delegation“, leading representatives from Hong Kong and Chinese Mainland enterprises to participate in APE 2026 as well as a series of site visits and exchange activities. This initiative aimed to present Hong Kong’s comprehensive R&D and industrial strengths in photonics and emerging sectors to the international community. It also sought to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in understanding market dynamics and technological trends in Singapore’s photonics and emerging industries, facilitate cross-regional business networking, and support enterprises in expanding into Southeast Asian and global markets.

Mr Yonghai DU, Chief Innovation Officer of HKPC and General Manager of APAS, said, “The ’15th Five-Year Plan’ Recommendations emphasise fostering emerging industries and accelerating the development of industrial clusters in strategic emerging fields such as new energy and new materials. Over the years, HKPC has been committed to helping enterprises turn R&D outcomes into competitive market application solutions. APAS focuses on R&D in various technological fields, including green transportation, smart mobility, intelligent systems and emerging applications. By collaborating with industry, academia and research institutions, APAS transforms R&D outcomes into commercially viable products and solutions, thereby enhancing Hong Kong’s competitiveness in the fields of new energy vehicles and intelligent driving”.

“Photonics plays an irreplaceable role in data acquisition, transmission and processing, and is therefore critical to the field of intelligent driving. This is APAS’s first participation in the APE, together with the organisation of a delegation to Southeast Asia, aims to lay a more solid foundation for the long-term development of automotive photonics technologies, while supporting businesses in expanding into photonics and emerging industries markets in Southeast Asia”.

First Debut in APE 2026 to Deepen International Photonics Industry Connections
Photonics technologies are widely applied across various sectors, including communications, information technology, healthcare, industrial manufacturing and energy. Held in Singapore, APE 2026 is one of the most influential events in the photonics industry in Asia. It brought together research institutions, technology companies and industry leaders from around the world to showcase cutting-edge technologies and innovative application scenarios across the entire photonics value chain. As a leading R&D institution in new energy and intelligent driving, APAS made its debut at APE 2026, leveraging its R&D strengths to contribute to technological collaboration and application innovation within the photonics industry. It not only helps Hong Kong and Chinese Mainland enterprises build bridges to the global photonics industry and expand market opportunities, but also supports Hong Kong’s active integration into the international photonics ecosystem, further promoting cross-regional technology exchange and industrial collaboration.

As a member of the HKSAR Government’s “Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global”, HKPC also shared its comprehensive “GoGlobal” services with exhibition participants during the event. These services include smart manufacturing, technology research and assessment, international standards and testing, professional services, training and study missions, as well as funding schemes—highlighting Hong Kong’s unique advantages in supporting enterprises’ global expansion. Ms Teresa POON, Deputy Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Singapore, visited the APAS booth to learn about the latest automotive photonics technologies and R&D achievements in Hong Kong, and to exchange views on the city’s strengths in the photonics industry.

In addition, Dr Rick MO, Head of Business Development and Commercialisation and Head of Emerging Applications of APAS, was invited to deliver a keynote speech on the impact of 2D material semiconductor innovations on the future development of smart mobility and high-end manufacturing. The APAS team has been deeply involved in the field of third-generation semiconductors for many years. Its development of silicon carbide-based systems and controllers have significantly improved the energy efficiency and driving range of new energy vehicles. Looking ahead, the team will explore the replacement of traditional chip electronic signals with optical signals, further advancing the application and development of related technologies.

Advancing Automotive Photonics R&D to Support Smart Mobility and Smart City Development
During APE 2026, APAS set up a dedicated exhibition zone to showcase its latest automotive photonics solutions in support of smart mobility and smart city development. The exhibits included:

  • Automotive-grade MEMS Drive OIS Actuator: The technology is designed to stabilise imager sensor shifts in Full HD dash cameras. It effectively reduces image shake caused by road vibrations or cornering, significantly enhancing image stability and clarity. When combined with object detection and recognition capabilities, the dash camera prototype can continuously deliver clear images and reliable driving records, even in busy urban areas, on winding roads or in tunnels, and in adverse weather conditions. This helps to improve overall road safety.
  • Augmented Reality Head-up Display for Commercial Vehicles: By combining virtual images with the real-world view, key driving information such as navigation routes, vehicle speed and safety alerts, is projected directly onto the windshield. This allows drivers to access critical information without having to divert their gaze, thereby enhancing driving focus and safety. The solution can also be optimised for the practical operating scenarios of commercial vehicles such as buses and trucks.

Promoting International R&D Exchange and Exploring Southeast Asian Market Opportunities
In addition to participating in APE 2026, the “Go Global to Southeast Asia: Singapore Photonics and Emerging Industries Delegation” arranged visits for enterprise representatives to several world-class universities and research institutions in Singapore, including Nanyang Technological University, the National University of Singapore, Singapore University of Technology and Design, and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research. These visits provided in-depth insights into the latest R&D and technology commercialisation cases in areas such as quantum photonics, smart sensing, semiconductors and emerging applications, enabling participants to better grasp market trends and collaboration opportunities in photonics and emerging industries.

Through this series of visits and exchanges, HKPC and APAS played a bridging role in showcasing Hong Kong’s R&D capabilities and industrial strengths in photonics and smart mobility to the global community, supporting SMEs in capturing opportunities in the Southeast Asian market, and promoting the long-term development of the photonics and smart mobility industries.

Hashtag: #HKPC #APAS

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/11/apas-made-debut-at-industry-flagship-event-asia-photonics-expo-2026-in-singapore-showcases-automotive-photonics-innovations/

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New satellite imagery shows recent storms triggered more than 11,000 slips on East Cape

Source: Radio New Zealand

A new satellite map has revealed the scale of devastation across the East Cape following a January storm. Supplied / Dragonfly Data Science

Recent severe storms have triggered more than 11,000 slips on the East Cape, according to satellite imagery.

Heavy rainfall caused widespread damage and flooding in parts of the North Island in January, with Te Araroa and Hicks Bay some of the hardest hit areas on the east coast.

The communities remain isolated from one another, with multiple landslides blocking State Highway 35, which remains shut to the public between Pōtaka and Te Araroa.

The Transport Agency said the ground was still moving, and further slips have been reported over the weekend near a large landslide at Punaruku – estimated to be 250,000 cubic metres.

Dragonfly Data Science said its before-and-after satellite imagery of the East Cape revealed the scale of the devastation, with comparisons providing a large-scale snapshot of where the land had moved.

It identified more than 11,000 landslips and silt damage covering 900 hectares.

The Wellington-based company said the recent storm caused significant, but concentrated destruction along the coastal northern end of the East Cape.

Dragonfly’s director Finlay Thompson said the map clearly illustrated what happened.

“It provides a birds-eye view of the area following an intense and highly localised storm event such as this, and offers an effective way of assessing how widespread and severe the damage is.”

The company developed a similar map following Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023, and Thompson believed such tools were crucial for understanding the “true scale” of such disasters.

He said these types of storms highlighted the gap between disaster response and long-term climate preparedness, and said better tools were needed to plan ahead.

“While this map isn’t a predictive tool on its own, it is an important first step. By linking storm impacts with rainfall and terrain data over multiple events, we could begin to build models that help predict where slips and flooding are most likely to occur in future.

“People’s livelihoods are at stake. While response and recovery efforts are critical and effective, the reality is that communities are living through significant disruption and loss in the meantime – and that’s something we can’t afford to treat as normal.”

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/11/new-satellite-imagery-shows-recent-storms-triggered-more-than-11000-slips-on-east-cape/

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Republic of Singapore Yacht Club Celebrates 200 Years of Heritage with Bicentennial Charity Gala, Raising Over S$320,000 for The President’s Challenge

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 February 2026 — The Republic of Singapore Yacht Club (RSYC) marked its 200th anniversary (#RSYC200) with a Bicentennial Charity Gala Dinner on Saturday, 7 February 2026, at the club’s Nautica Ballroom.

Ceremonial cake-cutting by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Minister for Education and MP for West Coast–Jurong West GRC Mr Desmond Lee, RSYC Commodore Balakrishnan B, RSYC Vice Commodore James Yeo, and RSYC committee members

The milestone event was graced by President of the Republic of Singapore, Tharman Shanmugaratnam and attended by over 130 guests, including club members, sponsors and distinguished guests, raising funds in support for the wider community.

Bicentennial Milestone Ceremony

Founded in 1826, RSYC commemorated 200 years of rich heritage through an evening reflecting tradition and a longstanding commitment to service, tracing its journey alongside Singapore’s seafaring story as it evolved into a distinctly Singaporean and multicultural institution.

The programme opened with a Bicentennial tribute video, followed by welcome remarks by the Commodore of RSYC Mr Balakrishnan B. In honour of the club’s enduring legacy of service, fellowship and contribution to the wider community, President Tharman officiated the unveiling of the RSYC Bicentennial Plaque and the ceremonial cake-cutting, joined by Mr Desmond Lee, Minister for Education and MP for West Coast–Jurong West GRC, RSYC Commodore Mr Balakrishnan B and other members of the RSYC Committee.

The gala also marked the opening event of RSYC’s year-long bicentennial programme, designed to drive member engagement through a series of sporting and social activities held throughout 2026 (refer to Appendix for full list of #RSYC200 events in 2026), and brought together significant figures who have shaped the club across generations.

This included Mr Edward Wong, Managing Director of AWP Pte Ltd and architect of the RSYC’s current clubhouse following the club’s relocation to its present premises in 1999, as well as Mr Francis Lee, RSYC’s first Singaporean Commodore (appointed in 1985) who played a pivotal role in redefining RSYC as a national club with an international membership, while championing initiatives that strengthened sea sports development, professional training and the preservation of the club’s history.

Charity Auction in Support of President’s Challenge

The highlight of the evening was a charity auction, featuring a curated selection of rare and exclusive items, including a one-of-a-kind RSYC Bicentennial Commemorative Pure Gold Coin, limited-edition Bicentennial Pure Silver Coins, and a rare 60-year-old Martell Cognac — one of only 12 in the world — presented in a Baccarat crystal decanter.

RSYC raised a grand total of S$326,692 through the gala dinner and auction, and all proceeds were directed towards The President’s Challenge 2026 – A national movement launched in 2000 by RSYC’s former Patron, the late President S R Nathan, to rally Singaporeans in building a more caring and cohesive society, and to support communities in need.

Later in the evening, a cheque presentation was held in the presence of President Tharman, Mr Desmond Lee, RSYC Commodore Balakrishnan B, and members of the RSYC Committee, followed by a post-dinner heritage exhibition showcasing key milestones from the club’s long and distinguished history.

As a token of appreciation, all attendees were presented with a specially produced RSYC Bicentennial commemorative gold-plated coin, to mark the historic occasion.

“As we mark 200 years of the Republic of Singapore Yacht Club, this bicentennial milestone reflects our enduring maritime heritage and the values that have shaped the club over many generations. We are honoured to commemorate this historic occasion through a meaningful initiative in support of The President’s Challenge, reaffirming RSYC’s long-standing commitment to contributing positively to Singapore’s community,” said Commodore Balakrishnan B, Republic of Singapore Yacht Club.

Looking ahead, the Republic of Singapore Yacht Club will continue to build on its heritage as a premier institution, honour its seafaring legacy, and chart its next chapter for centuries more to come, through milestone occasions and activities that contribute meaningfully to national causes and Singapore’s future.

The Bicentennial Charity Gala was made possible with the support of Platinum Sponsors: Royal Salute Scotch Whiskey, Martell; Gold Sponsors: Asiatic Fire System Pte Ltd, and Marina Technology and Construction, Nippon Paint and OCBC; as well as Silver Sponsors: AWP Architects, Cloudable Solutions Pte Ltd. and Sindcon. Neo Garden served as the Official Caterer, with Adidas as the Official Merchandiser.

Appendix

#RSYC200 2026 Events

  • 27 March 2026: Back to School Social Night

A nostalgic, adult-themed social evening featuring games, food, and opportunities for members to reconnect

  • 13 June 2026: RSYC Recycled Boat Race

A sustainability-focused team event where participants build and race boats using recycled materials at the RSYC marina

  • 18, 19 & 25 July 2026: RSYC Regatta 2026

RSYC’s annual sailing regatta featuring keelboats competing in passage and short-course races across Singapore’s southern waters

  • 22 & 23 August 2026: RSYC Commodore’s Day 2026

Annual Open House and celebration welcoming members and the public, featuring water sports, carnival activities, food offerings, and the introduction of new Committee Members

  • 19 & 20 September 2026 (Silver Fleet) and 26 & 27 September 2026 (Gold Fleet): Optimist Knockout Championship 2026

A youth sailing championship organised by RSYC under the auspices of the Singapore Sailing Federation

  • 9 October 2026: RSYC Beerfest 2026

An evening festival featuring international beers, food, music, and interactive games

  • 18 October 2026: RSYC Fishing Tournament 2026

RSYC’s annual fishing competition bringing together fishing enthusiasts from across Singapore

  • 14 November 2026: RSYC Charity Cruise 2026

A community-focused charity initiative bringing volunteers and sponsors together in support of a meaningful cause

  • 4 & 5 December 2026: Christmas & Boat Light-Up 2026

A festive weekend featuring carnival activities, a holiday market, and the Christmas Boat Light-Up Parade

  • 31 December 2026: New Year’s Eve Countdown Party

A year-end celebration to welcome the New Year with music, festivities, and fellow members and guests

https://rsyc.org.sg/
https://sg.linkedin.com/company/republic-of-singapore-yacht-club
https://www.facebook.com/rsyc.sg/
https://www.instagram.com/rsycsg/

Hashtag: #RSYC200 #RepublicofSingaporeYachtClub

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/11/republic-of-singapore-yacht-club-celebrates-200-years-of-heritage-with-bicentennial-charity-gala-raising-over-s320000-for-the-presidents-challenge/

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NZ’s biggest triathlon festival toasts 20 years – Challenge Wānaka

Source: Challenge Wānaka

Next week’s anticipated Challenge Wānaka marks 20 years of New Zealand’s largest triathlon festival, which has attracted more than 25,000 athletes and injected more than $54 million into the local economy over the past two decades.

Part of the global Challenge Family – which runs middle and long-distance triathlon races in more than 30 countries – the Challenge Wānaka Half has been a cornerstone of NZ’s triathlon scene since 2007. It is regarded as a stepping stone for talented young age-group triathletes hoping to qualify for pinnacle world championship events and turn pro. It’s also a key event for the Wānaka community, providing an annual economic boost for the tourism town.

Challenge Wānaka event director Jane Sharman says that while road bikes, wetsuits and race tech have vastly improved over the past two decades, the pulling power of the event for triathletes and spectators remains the same.

“As we reflect on 20 years, it’s very exciting to see how far the festival has come and everything our athletes have achieved,” she says. “Challenge Wānaka has played a part in launching some incredible pro athletes and international racing careers. But it’s also a fantastic grassroots event where anyone can take part, in the most beautiful corner of the world.

“Of course, the youth events have long been a highlight and some of our pro athletes who started out racing in Challenge Wānaka are now watching their own children participate, so it’s very special for them.”

One of those athletes is two-time Challenge Wānaka winner and former Team NZ cyclor Dougal Allan, who will be cheering on his own children, Flynn and Matilda, at the Challenge Wānaka triathlon festival next week. Some 2100 kids will be taking part in the festival this year, from age two and up.

“Competing in and eventually winning Challenge Wānaka in 2016 and 2017 launched my profile into the world of international triathlon,” he says. “Challenge Wānaka was always known as one of the toughest and most honest long-distance triathlon events in the world and winning it was a huge badge of honour. It also led to being invited to race the famous Challenge Roth event in 2017 in Germany, which remains one of the biggest racing experiences of my life.

“Whether it is an athlete’s ambition to race pro or not, Challenge Wānaka offers the opportunity to be part of a very professionally organised event that offers so much across the weekend, from the event village to the crowd support. It is a truly internationally recognised event that’s made very accessible to domestic athletes. While these days I’m no longer competing, it’s great to be coaching some of those athletes lining up for next weekend’s race.”

The event welcomes athletes from all over NZ and the world every year, and some from closer to home, too. Wānaka GP Dr Andrew McLeod has participated in every Challenge Wānaka race since its inception.

“I don’t remember much of that first race in 2007 but I clearly remember crossing the line, already analysing what I’d done wrong, what I’d somehow done right, and how I’d do it better next time,” he recalls. “Twenty years on – and after races across NZ, Australia, North America and Europe – I’m still learning.

“Along the way my wife Karen and I have been to amazing places, met wonderful people, and so often heard the words: ‘You’re from Wānaka? I’ve always wanted to do that event.’ Being part of something that inspires that reaction is pretty special, and it’s probably why I keep coming back.”

This year’s Challenge Wānaka brings together more than 850 athletes competing in the Gallagher Insurance Challenge Wānaka Half, including 376 athletes in the individual half event. The anticipated professional field features Mike Phillips, Frederic Funk, Jack Moody, Tamara Jewett, Rebecca Clarke, Gabrielle Lumkes, and Lucy Byram. More than 155 teams are also entered, with 18 teams vying for the Gallagher Insurance Corporate Trophy, while friends and family team up for a fun day of swim, bike, and run. Media personality Brodie Kane will take on the 1.9km swim as part of a relay team.  

The 2026 Gallagher Insurance Challenge Wānaka Half is also an opportunity for age-group athletes to claim a National Title and qualify to wear the silver fern at the 2026 World Championships, as part of the Tri NZ Suzuki Series.

“This year’s event is set to be extra special to celebrate 20 years of Challenge Wānaka,” Sharman says. “This festival has always been about more than racing; it’s about community, resilience and the shared excitement of pushing boundaries in one of the world’s most scenic locations. We’re incredibly proud of the athletes, volunteers and supporters who return year after year to help make Challenge Wānaka a standout on the world triathlon stage.”
 
About Gallagher Insurance Challenge Wānaka
The Gallagher Insurance Challenge Wānaka is one of the world’s most scenic triathlon festivals, held annually in New Zealand’s stunning Southern Lakes region. Featuring a range of events, including the flagship middle-distance triathlon, multisport races, and AquaBike, the festival welcomes athletes of all levels. Operated by the Challenge Wānaka Sports Trust, a charitable organisation committed to community wellbeing, the event supports youth, adaptive athletes, and local charities through inclusive sport and recreation initiatives. In 2026, the Challenge Wānaka Festival event will mark its 20th year, taking place from February 19 – February 21. Registrations at  www.challenge-wanaka.com

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/11/nzs-biggest-triathlon-festival-toasts-20-years-challenge-wanaka/

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Super Rugby Pacific: Are Moana Pasifika getting a raw deal?

Source: Radio New Zealand

Fijian Drua v Moana Pasifika

Kick-off: 4:35pm Saturday 14 February

Churchill Park, Lautoka

Live blog updates on RNZ

Are Moana Pasifika getting a raw deal when it comes to home matches? Under their current licensing agreement, they can only host five games in Auckland per season, due to fears it would saturate the viewing market.

It means that despite the massive increase in support at their new home of North Harbour Stadium during last year’s breakout season, Moana have decided to play their first home game at Pukekohe’s Navigation Homes Stadium on 27 February against the Force. Their first game back at North Harbour won’t be until round four against the Crusaders, over a month after the season has started.

Read: Moana Pasifika preview

Coach Tana Umaga said that the shift was “just the reality of the environment we live in.”

“Some of the guidelines that are put around us we have no control of. We’re governed by other people in terms of that aspect.”

Moana Pasifika fans, crowd and supporters, Hurricanes v Moana Pasifika, round 16 of the Super Rugby Pacific competition. Photosport / Elias Rodriguez

Moana’s original licensing agreement as an expansion team was awarded in as conditional in April 2021, but complications over finance, the competition format and getting buy-in from Rugby Australia led to extended delays in it being granted fully. In 2022 it was confirmed that Sport New Zealand provided the $4m underwrite to Moana Pasifika Limited and a $500,000 operating grant for the Moana Pasifika Charitable Trust.

It’s believed that the restriction on Auckland-based games was at the behest of cross-town rivals the Blues. That’s meant that Moana need to find new homes for two of their games, with the Force fixture going to Pukekohe and the round nine clash with the Chiefs being played at Teufaiva Sport Stadium in Tonga.

Umaga could see a positive of playing in Pukekohe, given that he played and coached at Counties-Manukau.

“Some of us have a good connection with Puke and it’s obviously out south, so there are our people out there.”

Still, the former All Black captain said the rules could be looked at so that his side could get a full compliment of home games.

Fans at the North Harbour stadium. Coco Lance

“I would love to have a discussion around that. Those (rules) were put in earlier, but I would love to have a discussion around how the how those could possibly change and be better, and we can get on equal footing as other teams. But at this stage we’re not having those. We just got to keep earning the right to make sure that we can keep our place here.”

Umaga made a stark comparison when asked about the equal footing between not just Moana and the Blues, but other local pro teams Auckland FC and the Warriors.

“Financially? Definitely not. But that’s what it is. The people before us, they got us to this point, that’s what they had to do to get us involved in this competition. And I think if we can keep working hard both on and off the field to (be) a big part of this competition, that hopefully you know, we can have those discussions.”

Moana Pasifika open their season on Saturday afternoon with perhaps the toughest assignment in Super Rugby Pacific, facing the Fijian Drua in the oppressive heat and humidity of Lautoka’s Churchill Park.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/11/super-rugby-pacific-are-moana-pasifika-getting-a-raw-deal/

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Super Rugby Pacific team namings: Highlanders and Blues to start promising loosies

Source: Radio New Zealand

Boom Otago rookie Lucas Casey has been handed a start for the Highlanders for Friday night’s opening clash with the Crusaders. The 22-year-old will run out at number eight, with Sean Withy and TK Howden with him in the loose forwards. The home side has already been rocked by the serious injury to All Black lock Fabian Holland, with Oliver Haig partnering Mitch Dunshea in the second row.

Angus Ta’avao will run out for his fourth Super Rugby side, the Highlanders prop previously representing the Blues, Waratahs and Chiefs.

Meanwhile, the Crusaders have kept All Blacks Codie Taylor and Will Jordan on the bench for the game. George Bell and Chay Fihaki start at hooker and fullback respectively, while Ethan Blackadder makes a welcome return at flanker.

Angus Ta’avao during a Blues training session. Super Rugby Pacific, Alexandra Park, Auckland, New Zealand. Tuesday 18 June 2024. © Photo credit: Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

Other selection notes

Ngani Laumape will debut for Moana Pasifika at second five, for their match in Lautoka against the Drua. Miracle Faiilagi will lead the team in their first hit out of the post-Ardie Savea era.

Ngani Laumape tees off at Chasing the Fox at Royal Auckland & Grange Golf Club. Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

Bradley Slater and Pita Ahki go straight into the starting lineup for the Blues after signing in the off season. Torian Barnes goes onto the blindside in his debut, after being part of the wider training group at the start of preseason.

Their opponents, the Chiefs, have handed Kyren Taumoefolau a debut on the right wing. Josh Jacomb will start at first five with Damian McKenzie not considered after the birth of his first child last week.

Team lists

Highlanders v Crusaders

Kick-off: 7:05pm Friday 13 February

Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

Live blog updates on RNZ

Highlanders: 1 Ethan de Groot, 2 Jack Taylor, 3 Angus Ta’avao, 4 Oliver Haig, 5 Mitch Dunshea, 6 Te Kamaka Howden, 7 Sean Withy, 8 Lucas Casey, 9 Folau Fakatava, 10 Cameron Millar, 11 Jona Nareki, 12 Timoci Tavatavanawai, 13 Jonah Lowe, 14 Caleb Tangitau, 15 Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

Bench: 16 Henry Bell, 17 Josh Bartlett, 18 Rohan Wingham, 19 Will Stodart, 20 Veveni Lasaqa, 21 Adam Lennox, 22 Reesjan Pasitoa, 23 Tanielu Tele’a

Crusaders: 1 Finlay Brewis, 2 George Bell, 3 Seb Calder, 4 Antonio Shalfoon, 5 Jamie Hannah, 6 Dom Gardiner, 7 Ethan Blackadder, 8 Christian Lio-Willie, 9 Noah Hotham, 10 Rivez Reihana, 11 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 12 David Havili (c), 13 Braydon Ennor, 14 Sevu Reece, 15 Chay Fihaki

Bench: 16 Codie Taylor, 17 George Bower, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Tahlor Cahill, 20 Corey Kellow, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Taha Kemara, 23 Will Jordan

Fijian Drua v Moana Pasifika

Kick-off: 4:35pm Saturday 14 February

Churchill Park, Lautoka

Live blog updates on RNZ

Moana Pasifika: 1 Tito Tuipulotu, 2 Millennium Sanerivi, 3 Chris Apoua, 4 Tom Savage, 5 Allan Craig, 6 Miracle Faiilagi (c), 7 Semisi Paea, 8 Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, 9 Jonathan Taumateine, 10 Patrick Pellegrini, 11 Solomon Alaimalo, 12 Ngani Laumape, 13 Lalomilo Lalomilo, 14 Tevita Ofa, 15 William Havili

Bench: 16 Samiuela Moli, 17 Abraham Pole, 18 Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou, 19 Ofa Tauatevalu, 20 Dominic Ropeti, 21 Siaosi Nginingini, 22 Denzel Samoa, 23 Glen Vaihu

Blues v Chiefs

Kick-off: 7:05pm Saturday 14 February

Eden Park, Auckland

Live blog updates on RNZ

Blues: 1 Joshua Fusitu’a, 2 Bradley Slater, 3 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 4 Sam Darry, 5 Josh Beehre, 6 Torian Barnes, 7 Dalton Papali’I (c), 8 Hoskins Sotutu, 9 Finlay Christie, 10 Stephen Perofeta, 11 Caleb Clarke, 12 Pita Ahki, 13 AJ Lam, 14 Cole Forbes, 15 Zarn Sullivan

Bench: 16 James Mullan, 17 Mason Tupaea, 18 Marcel Renata, 19 Laghlan McWhannell, 20 Anton Segner, 21 Sam Nock, 22 Xavi Taele, 23 Codemeru Vai

Chiefs: 1 Jared Proffit, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 3 George Dyer, 4 Josh Lord, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 6 Kaylum Bosher, 7 Jahrome Brown, 8 Luke Jacobson, 9 Xavier Roe, 10 Josh Jacomb, 11 Liam Coombes-Fabling, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 13 Daniel Rona, 14 Kyren Taumoefolau, 15 Etene Nanai-Seturo

Bench: 16 Tyrone Thompson, 17 Benet Kumeroa, 18 Reuben O’Neill, 19 Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 20 Samipeni Finau, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Tepaea Cook-Savage, 23 Kyle Brown

Also this weekend:

Waratahs v Reds

Kick-off: 9:35pm Friday 13 February

Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Force v Brumbies

Kick-off: 9:35pm Saturday 14 February

HBF Park, Perth

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/11/super-rugby-pacific-team-namings-highlanders-and-blues-to-start-promising-loosies/

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Rugby league: Māori jersey ‘the pinnacle’ for Kennedy Cherrington

Source: Radio New Zealand

Kennedy Cherrington says the Maori jersey stands above them all. Instagram

For Kennedy Cherrington, nothing in rugby league carries more weight than the Māori jersey.

Despite playing at a World Cup, in State of Origins, and an NRLW grand final, Cherrington said the Māori jersey sits above them all.

She said the it connects her to something far bigger than the game.

“This kaupapa is everything to me. The Māori jersey is the pinnacle in the game for me personally and I know that’s a shared common feeling by my team-mates. I’ve been fortunate enough to play at World Cups and Origins and Grand Finals, but the Māori jersey is the pinnacle.

“I get to represent not just myself and my whanau, but my ancestors and everything we’ve worked towards being Māori in the land of today. So I just want to take back that narrative and show people that we can showcase our culture and game in one.”

Cherrington will run out alongside younger sister Ruben for the Māori vs Indigenous All Stars clash in Hamilton on Sunday.

“It’s not just a selection of random players. You have to be Māori to play here. So I think that’s the special thing and being surrounded by your own is such a wholesome feeling.

“It’s like all the whanau coming together and you just get to be yourself. This is probably one of the most well connected teams that I’ve been a part of because you share the same heritage.”

Despite growing up more than 2000km from her ancestral home, Cherrington’s connection to her whakapapa remained strong, thanks to her parents.

“They’ve always instilled confidence in us being Māori and learning the Māori way, they always reminded us, showed us where we come from, so we pay homage to our parents and all they had to sacrifice being away from their home because they miss it just as much.

“But obviously everything happens for a reason. We had to come over there for a fresh start and we’ve just harnessed that opportunity that they’ve sacrificed for us. But obviously not having our kapa haka or kohunga growing up has been kind of deflating because that’s what we kind of mourn for being in Australia.”

Cherrington said Māori representation is crucial for young wahine.

“You can’t be what you can’t see. and there’s so many little eyes, both Māori, non-Māori, watching us, looking at us going, ‘I want to be there. I want to be like them.’ And in a world full of a lot of negative things, we just want to be the positivity and the positive role models that they look to, leading the forefront and changing the narrative of how Māori are to be seen.”

Kennedy and Ruben Cherrington will run out together for the Maori All Stars this Sunday. Instagram

Joining the NRLW in 2020, Cherrington has seen a clear shift in the women’s game, most notably in the support they get from young fans.

“That’s probably been a bit of a pinch me moment, it’s been really, really noticeable. I was once that young girl looking up to people who I wanted to aspire to be like.

“So if someone says hello, I’ll always say hello back. If someone asks for a photo, I’ll always say yes and have a big smile on my face. I’m here, I’m a role model, whether I like it or not, well, I like it. So little eyes are watching you and monkey see monkey do, right? So yeah, that’s what you want to do, inspire the next generation because you were that young person.”

The Parramatta centre is also ensuring the women’s game has a strong players voice, having recently been appointed to the Rugby League Players Association as a player director.

“I’ve just been a big believer in standing up for change and using your voice when others don’t have a voice. So it’s just something that’s been in me since high school, speaking up. So I guess it’s kind of just transcended into rugby league world as well. I love seeing avenues of the game and how things roll and advocating for change.”

That change has been significant in the past six years.

“Some of the girls that have been around since those early days have just seen like, wow, we’ve gone to be basically afterthought to actually being in the forefront of the game itself here in Australia and New Zealand.

“We didn’t even have lockers or proper changing rooms, we were wearing men’s playing gear, had no maternity leave, and none of us having that well-being support. They were expecting a professional product, but not treating us like professionals. So that conversation has changed and it’s just come such a long way.

However Cherrington said more still needs to be done to get on equal footing with the NRL.

“Obviously, a fully professional schedule, that’s a big one. I’d love to see us finally transition slowly into the full-time space. It’ll take some time because I know a lot of the girls have still got full-time jobs, but I think we’d see a massive reflection of quality. I love our game and I just want to see a positive change for our future for our women.”

Locked in at the Eels until 2027, Cherrington did not rule out a potential move to Aotearoa and switch to the Warriors.

“I grew up supporting the Warriors and I do have a special place for them in my heart, beyond 2027? Who knows?”

Kennedy Cherrington scoring a try during her rugby days in 2018. Photosport

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Auckland FC fitness coach Elias Boukarim exits

Source: Radio New Zealand

Auckland FC move on from fitness coach with months left in A-League season. www.ofcproleague.com

Auckland FC have parted ways with their inaugural head of performance midway through the A-League season.

Australian Elias Boukarim was credited with establishing a high-performance unit and running pre-season training sessions that players described as “hardest I’ve ever had”.

Boukarim left the club last week.

He had previously worked in the A-League with Western Sydney Wanderers and Sydney FC before arriving in Auckland.

Last year Auckland FC director of football Terry McFlynn told A-League media players took a while to get used to Boukarim.

“I think the first two, three weeks, the boys absolutely despised him, hated him. But once you get to know him and know that everything he’s doing is coming from a good place, and it’s to make you better, they all love him.”

The club said after Boukarim’s sudden departure he had returned to Sydney to be with family and would not discuss his exit further.

Boukarim’s role with Auckland FC involved fitness and injury prevention.

The club said the “wider coaching team” was filling Boukarim’s duties and recruitment for a replacement would happen at “some stage soon”.

Elias Boukarim, fourth from right in cap, with Auckland FC coaching staff in April. Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

The fitness of the Premiers Plate-winning playing squad last season was often referred to as a reason that the team could be competitive late in games.

Despite Auckland dropping competition points by conceding late goals in their second season in the league, coach Steve Corica brushed off suggestions fitness was a contributing factor to the lapses.

“That’s a tiring period for a team but I think we’re fit enough, it’s a mentality thing not to want to concede and be in the right spot, everyone working hard for each other I think is very important I think that’s part of our motto from the start and if everyone does that I think we start winning games again and get back to the top as soon as possible hopefully,” Corica said before Saturday’s 1-0 win over Sydney FC.

Last season the club had one major injury, with defender Dan Hall breaking his ankle in training and being sidelined for months.

This season captain Hiroki Sakai has battled with a hamstring injury that has kept him out of the side over two stints and Guillermo May has worked back from a knee injury.

Elias Boukarim, left, during an Auckland FC training session at North Harbour Stadium this season. RNZ / Marika Khabazi

Among the latest injuries are goalkeeper Oli Sail who has had season-ending knee surgery and defender Nando Pijnaker who was also injured in the same game as Sail and has a leg injury that prevented him playing last week.

Auckland are currently second on the A-League ladder and play Sydney FC in Sydney on Tuesday in a catch-up game for a match that was postponed in December due to poor pitch conditions.

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Hastings stabbing – Police appeal for footage

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Karli Whiu:

Hastings Police are seeking information as they investigate a serious stabbing that occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning 7 February.

At around 3.25am, Police were called to a report of a stabbing at an address in the Karamu Road North area.

Officers located a man with severe injuries. Police immediately provided first aid before paramedics transported him to hospital, where he underwent surgery. He remains in a critical condition.

The alleged offender fled the scene prior to Police arrival.

At approximately 6am, Police received information about a man hiding at a property on Mayfair Avenue, not far from where the incident occurred. The man was located and arrested without further incident.

He has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and has been remanded in custody.

Police are now seeking CCTV footage from residents in the surrounding area that may have captured information between the time of the incident and his arrest. Residents are asked to carefully check the time settings on their cameras, including any daylight‑savings adjustments, to ensure footage covers the relevant period.

Police are also asking local residents to check their properties for any items that may have been discarded by the alleged offender.

Anyone with information is asked to make a report at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking ‘Update Report’, or by calling 105. Please use reference number 260207/3403.

Alternatively, information can also be shared anonymously through Crime Stoppers, by calling 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/11/hastings-stabbing-police-appeal-for-footage/

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Reckless ride ends in court for teen

Source: New Zealand Police

A teenager’s reckless ride on an electric bike through the North Shore found him making a hard landing into court.

On Tuesday night, Police initially responded to an aggravated robbery on Coliseum Drive, Albany at 7.41pm.

Inspector Aron McKeown, Waitematā East Area Prevention Manager, says the teenage victim was outside a fast-food restaurant at the time.

“A teenage male offender has approached the victim, allegedly stealing his electric trail bike at knifepoint,” he says.

“The bike has been driven across the car park towards the mall and out of sight.”

The Police Eagle helicopter had been in the area for another matter, when the crew became aware of the job unfolding.

“Eagle responded and located the bike being driven at excessive speed on the Northern Busway southbound.

“The bike has continued to be tracked by Eagle, as it exited at Constellation Station, making its way onto the Northern Motorway.”

No units pursued the bike, but its movements were tracked from above.

Inspector McKeown says the bike was seen exiting at Tristram Avenue, heading for Beacroft Park.

“He has cut through a football game being played at the time, before heading towards Milford.

“This reckless run came to an end after he fell off the bike on Bevyn Street.

“The 15-year-old didn’t suffer any injuries, but he did find himself in handcuffs and under arrest,” he says.

Waitematā East CIB has charged the male with aggravated robbery, reckless driving and possession for supply of cannabis.

He will be appearing in the North Shore Youth Court today.

“We are ensuring the young victim is being provided by support after this unsettling event,” Inspector McKeown says.

“I’d like to acknowledge all the frontline staff, Eagle and our CIB investigators for their work in responding to this incident.”

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/11/reckless-ride-ends-in-court-for-teen/

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How rugby and NZ are giving hope in war-torn Ukraine

Source: Radio New Zealand

Anton Shashero with Sir Graham Henry. Sarah Gloyer Waiheke Gulf News 

While the country has been dragged into a devastating war, two Ukranians are ensuring that rugby stays alive in their home, and that young players have a potential path to safety.

Anton Shashero is coach of Ukraine’s national under-16 side, and thanks to a collaboration between some prominent rugby minds in Aotearoa, he and best friend Maksym Dulia have spent the past week in the country learning from some of the best in the business.

Shashero said the invasion has had an horrific impact on players and the sport in Ukraine.

“A lot of players from the senior national team and from the under-18 team have already died. A lot of them are in the war. In almost in every family now in Ukraine, someone have lost someone. It’s huge. It’s huge.”

He said rugby acts as a beacon for young men during dark times, and for Shashero and Dulia, it had a significant impact.

“When we were kids, rugby was everything for us. You can travel, you can have friends, you can share your moments with boys on the field and it’s the values rugby which rugby gave us.”

That path was able to be extended across the other side of the world,

“We knew that we wanted to come to New Zealand and try to learn from the best. So it was our dream.

“When our boys see that we’re here with the All Blacks, it has a huge impact for them, for their families and for everyone in Ukraine, when they see that we here, it’s big moment now for Ukraine.”

Upon arrival, the pair spent time with Sir Graham Henry, the Hurricanes and at the IRANZ institute.

Anton Shashero and Maksym Dulia at IRANZ in Upper Hutt. supplied

The initiative is part of a broader plan to bring Ukrainian youth boys and girls teams to play in Aotearoa a joint effort between IRANZ, Henry and Brent Impey of Kiwi KARE, a foundation which provides New Zealand aid to Ukraine.

IRANZ general manager Wayne Taylor said it felt like the right thing to do.

“The country has been through a lot of hardship and sport can be something really positive, obviously the timing wasn’t great though with the war but it’s still something we are really keen to do, we are hoping to still get some funding and that it will still happen in the future.”

Impey said that despite everything going on in Ukraine, their passion for sport persists as the five team senior mens rugby competition continues to run.

“Their goal is to reach the 2032 Olympics in sevens, so i thought how can New Zealand help make that happen? We can be a part of reconstruction through sports diplomacy. It represents an opportunity, for New Zealand to be a visionary. “

Infrastructure in Ukraine has been significantly compromised as a result of Russian strikes, forcing Shashero to host junior camps to be held outside of the country.

“We usually do camps outside of Ukraine, in Poland and Georgia and now we go to Portugal for international tournament,” Shashero said.

Shashero and Dulia will take what they have learned home as his young side prepare to take on the best in the Northern Hemisphere.

“We have been given some fundamental things which we implement, now we have to fight to try to become the best team in the Europe. We want to show we can win against the best teams like France, Ireland, England.”

The game has come a long way in Ukraine, as Shashero vividly recalls his first trip to the European champs as a youngster where his team was soundly beaten.

“All we did was trained one week and went there and we couldn’t play well against them.”

Shashero said he has been blown away by the passion for rugby in New Zealand.

“I was at a rugby club and saw a boy maybe one years old, he cannot speak now but he already passing the ball and it’s amazing.”

Having seen some secrets behind competing on the global stage, Shashero also hopes to one day bring a Ukrainian side to Aotearoa.

“I hope that one day one will come in the future. I hope and I believe that if we prepare them for such long period, they can be on the same level with them, especially with New Zealand specialists helping us with this. I hope that it’s going to rise.”

Shashero and Dulia mixing with Hurricanes players. supplied

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/11/how-rugby-and-nz-are-giving-hope-in-war-torn-ukraine/

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Watch: Luca Harrington claims bronze in men’s freeski slopestyle at Winter Olympics

Source: Radio New Zealand

Luca Harrington has claimed New Zealand’s second medal at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics in Italy, taking bronze at the men’s freestyle skiing slopestyle event.

Norway’s Birk Ruud took gold, while silver went to American Alex Hall.

Harrington – one of the youngest competitors at 21 – was fourth on course, followed by fellow New Zealander Ben Barclay in sixth. Each had three runs to post their top score.

Barclay was the first competitor to land a complete run, earning a solid first run score of 69.40. Harrington came out swinging and was lacing together a super stylish run, but came unstuck on the switch triple cork 16 on jump two.

Run two was a throwaway for both Kiwis, with the triple cork 1620 continuing to give Harrington trouble, and Barclay coming off a rail early at the top of the course.

Luca Harrington reacts in the freestyle skiing men’s freeski slopestyle final run 3 during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games. JEFF PACHOUD / AFP

That left Barclay sitting in fifth place and Harrington in ninth going into the third and final run.

Harrington managed to clean up in run three, this time stomping his landing on the triple cork 1620 and finishing off with a clean 1440 on the third and last jump.

His score of 85.15 took him to third place, and earned New Zealand’s second medal of the games.

Barclay dropped in for his third run but once again came off a rail too early, finishing eighth overall.

Harrington said the day had been “a battle” for all competitors.

“We didn’t get perfect conditions, but that’s part of our sport. I was feeling a lot of pressure, a lot of crazy emotions going on being here at the Olympics, being in the finals and wanting to do everyone proud. Putting something down that you’re proud of was hard. I did not land my first two runs, which made that even tougher, but on that final run, I took a step back and kind of embraced the moment and managed to gain that confidence and managed to go through my full run clean,” he said.

“Standing at the top, representing New Zealand, representing my family, wearing an Olympic bib in the finals, that was such a special moment. I think that’s what motivated me to really embrace that and land that last run. To get rewarded with a haka from my team was such an honour.”

(From L) Silver medallist USA’s Alex Hall, gold medallist Norway’s Birk Ruud and bronze medallist New Zealand’s Luca Harrington celebrate on the podium. JEFF PACHOUD / AFP

Barclay had been hoping to put down cleaner runs based on the tricks he had trained, but was happy enough with the outcome, adding that he was “over the moon to see Luca Harrington on the steps at the end”.

“To get a front row seat the last few years to the amount of hard work, dedication and sacrifice that Luca and his coach Hamish MacDougall have both put in with the sole goal of this, to see it pay off for them – I can’t even describe how that feels. They worked so hard, put so much blood, sweat and tears and true mahi into it. He really clutched up in the end and he got it. I genuinely don’t think anyone deserves it more.”

Birk Ruud of Norway earned the gold medal after an impeccable first run. Alex Hall, the gold medallist four years ago in Beijing, won silver under cloudy skies on the slopes in the mountain town of Livigno to extend Team USA’s remarkable run in the event over the years.

The slopestyle event features skiers who slide across rails and perform aerial tricks to impress the judges with difficulty and originality. The best score from each skier’s three runs determines the rankings. Ruud’s superb first run put him at the top of the leaderboard from the start. Hall tried to catch him but fell backward after coming off a rail in his third run.

Final scores came in at 86.28 for Ruud, 85.75 for Hall and 85.15 for Harrington. Ruud, 25, pumped his fists and hugged the other medallists as he took the podium. Hall, 27, clapped his hands and smiled. Team USA have earned a slopestyle medal in every Olympics since the event was introduced to the schedule in 2014. Jesper Tjader, the bronze medallist in Beijing, was in medal contention going into his third run of the day but crash-landed off a rail, sending one of his skies flying.

Zoi Sadowski-Synnott earlier claimed New Zealand’s first medal of the games, taking silver in the Big Air event on Tuesday.

It was a record third medal in the event for Sadowski-Synott, who took silver in Beijing in 2022 and bronze in Pyeongchang in 2018.

Like Harrington, she was also honoured by her teammates with a haka following her win.

– RNZ / Reuters

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‘It whacked my snowboard’: Olympian Zoi Sadowski-Synnott’s medal breaks

Source: Radio New Zealand

Silver medallist New Zealand’s Zoi Sadowski Synnott poses on the podium after the snowboard women’s big air final during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games. AFP/KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV

New Zealand snowboarder Zoi Sadowski-Synnott has joined an elite club of Olympians – those who will be bringing home broken medals.

After a rough start, Sadowski-Synnott earned her second consecutive silver medal in the Big Air event at the Winter Olympics in Italy, matching her result from four years ago.

“You set goals and you dream about it, and when it actually happens, you still can’t really believe it,” the 24-year-old told Morning Report.

“But yeah, I’m really grateful that I was able to put it down when it mattered and just thankful for all the support from back home and grateful to have my family out here too.”

There have been reports of medals from this year’s Games breaking easily – including from American downhill skiing champion Breezy Johnson, Swedish cross-country skier Ebba Andersson and United States figure skater Alysa Liu.

Asked if she had kept hers safe, Sadowski-Synnott admitted “not exactly”.

“Mine actually broke. But it’s chill. It whacked my snowboard and fell off the thing, but it goes right back in. It’s all good.”

It was suspected the fault stemmed from the medal’s clasp and ribbon, which are designed to split if pulled with force to prevent strangulation.

Organisers on Thursday (local time) said they had found a fix.

Sadowski-Synnott, who has won five Olympic medals in her career, was going to cherish her latest prize regardless.

“It’s pretty sick. It’s pretty special, so beautiful and can’t really believe that I’m holding another Olympic medal.”

She next competes in slopestyle, where she will be defending the gold she won in Beijing in 2022.

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‘I’ll keep that to myself’: Dalton Papali’i on Razor feedback

Source: Radio New Zealand

Dalton Papalii. Photosport / John Davidson

Blues v Chiefs

Kick-off: 7:05pm Saturday 14 February

Eden Park, Auckland

Live blog updates on RNZ

Dalton Papali’i has kept his cards close to his chest regarding his relationship with former All Black coach Scott Robertson.

Speaking to 1News at Blues training on Tuesday, Papali’i said there was a “big difference” in Robertson’s coaching style to previous regimes.

“I was there when Shag (Steve Hansen) and Fozzie (Ian Foster) were there holding the helm. Seeing it change to Razor’s agenda – you could see there was a big difference,” said Papali’i.

“People spoke up and they had to have a review. We followed that process … I don’t really want to speak too much on that. What happened, happened.”

Papali’i only played one test in 2025, off the bench in the third test against France. He was selected for the All Blacks XV for their successful three-match end of year tour, being named captain by coach Jamie Joseph.

Scott Robertson. SANKA VIDANAGAMA

“I really had a good relationship with Jamie Jo and … I felt like I was back to my old self,” he said.

“I feel like I play better with the weight of being a leader. Going into the ABs XV, I got that role back again, the captaincy, and I took it with both hands. I enjoyed it and felt like I played well again. Everyone bought into the culture and it was a credit to Jamie Jo and the coaches. They set up the environment for everyone to be at their best and I loved it.”

Jamie Joseph Coach of the Highlanders © Photosport Ltd 2025 www.photosport.nz

The 28-year-old became a father last year, and said that new responsibility is shaping his thinking around seeing out the last two seasons of his contract with NZ Rugby.

“I’ve been here for nine years or so … I have a lot of things in perspective now,” he said.

“I want to grow the family, and you hear a lot of people heading overseas to help their financial side out. This is home for me, where I grew up and I want to leave the jersey in a better place. I’m still weighing it up.”

The Blues open their season on Saturday night against the Chiefs at Eden Park.

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Black Caps spinner Michael Bracewell ruled out of World Cup

Source: Radio New Zealand

New Zealand’s Michael Bracewell celebrates after taking a Bangladesh wicket, Champions Trophy, 2025. AFP

Black Caps spinner Michael Bracewell won’t play any part of the T20 World Cup after being ruled out with injury.

Bracewell suffered a calf injury during the ODI series against India last month and while he had recovered from that he reinjured it ahead of Sunday’s game against Afghanistan.

Subsequent scans confirmed the injury is expected to require approximately three weeks recovery before returning to play.

Off-spinning all-rounder Cole McConchie will travel to India to join the squad as a travelling reserve alongside pace-bowler Ben Sears.

Canterbury Kings captain McConchie last represented New Zealand in April 2024 and joins the squad off the back of a successful domestic T20 campaign as the Kings leading wicket taker with 14 wickets at an economy rate of 7.71.

“It’s really tough to get ruled out of a World Cup and I know how much playing for New Zealand means to him (Bracewell),” said Black Caps coach Rob Walter.

“Michael worked incredibly hard to give himself a chance but unfortunately has had this set back.

Cole McConchie of Canterbury celebrates © Photosport Ltd 2026 www.photosport.nz

Walter said McConchie, who has played 145 T20s (12 of them internationals), would bring valuable experience.

“Cole is a seasoned campaigner.

“He brings a great all-round skillset to the group along with a lot of T20 experience.

“It’s great to be able to lean on an experienced head especially for a World Cup.”

The Black Caps beat the UAE by 10 wickets on Wednesday and play South Africa on Sunday.

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Rugby providing hope in war-torn Ukraine

Source: Radio New Zealand

Anton Shashero with Sir Graham Henry. Sarah Gloyer Waiheke Gulf News 

While the country has been dragged into a devastating war, two Ukranians are ensuring that rugby stays alive in their home, and that young players have a potential path to safety.

Anton Shashero is coach of Ukraine’s national under-16 side, and thanks to a collaboration between some prominent rugby minds in Aotearoa, he and best friend Maksym Dulia have spent the past week in the country learning from some of the best in the business.

Shashero said the invasion has had an horrific impact on players and the sport in Ukraine.

“A lot of players from the senior national team and from the under-18 team have already died. A lot of them are in the war. In almost in every family now in Ukraine, someone have lost someone. It’s huge. It’s huge.”

He said rugby acts as a beacon for young men during dark times, and for Shashero and Dulia, it had a significant impact.

“When we were kids, rugby was everything for us. You can travel, you can have friends, you can share your moments with boys on the field and it’s the values rugby which rugby gave us.”

That path was able to be extended across the other side of the world,

“We knew that we wanted to come to New Zealand and try to learn from the best. So it was our dream.

“When our boys see that we’re here with the All Blacks, it has a huge impact for them, for their families and for everyone in Ukraine, when they see that we here, it’s big moment now for Ukraine.”

Upon arrival, the pair spent time with Sir Graham Henry, the Hurricanes and at the IRANZ institute.

Anton Shashero and Maksym Dulia at IRANZ in Upper Hutt. supplied

The initiative is part of a broader plan to bring Ukrainian youth boys and girls teams to play in Aotearoa a joint effort between IRANZ, Henry and Brent Impey of Kiwi KARE, a foundation which provides New Zealand aid to Ukraine.

IRANZ general manager Wayne Taylor said it felt like the right thing to do.

“The country has been through a lot of hardship and sport can be something really positive, obviously the timing wasn’t great though with the war but it’s still something we are really keen to do, we are hoping to still get some funding and that it will still happen in the future.”

Impey said that despite everything going on in Ukraine, their passion for sport persists as the five team senior mens rugby competition continues to run.

“Their goal is to reach the 2032 Olympics in sevens, so i thought how can New Zealand help make that happen? We can be a part of reconstruction through sports diplomacy. It represents an opportunity, for New Zealand to be a visionary. “

Infrastructure in Ukraine has been significantly compromised as a result of Russian strikes, forcing Shashero to host junior camps to be held outside of the country.

“We usually do camps outside of Ukraine, in Poland and Georgia and now we go to Portugal for international tournament,” Shashero said.

Shashero and Dulia will take what they have learned home as his young side prepare to take on the best in the Northern Hemisphere.

“We have been given some fundamental things which we implement, now we have to fight to try to become the best team in the Europe. We want to show we can win against the best teams like France, Ireland, England.”

The game has come a long way in Ukraine, as Shashero vividly recalls his first trip to the European champs as a youngster where his team was soundly beaten.

“All we did was trained one week and went there and we couldn’t play well against them.”

Shashero said he has been blown away by the passion for rugby in New Zealand.

“I was at a rugby club and saw a boy maybe one years old, he cannot speak now but he already passing the ball and it’s amazing.”

Having seen some secrets behind competing on the global stage, Shashero also hopes to one day bring a Ukrainian side to Aotearoa.

“I hope that one day one will come in the future. I hope and I believe that if we prepare them for such long period, they can be on the same level with them, especially with New Zealand specialists helping us with this. I hope that it’s going to rise.”

Shashero and Dulia mixing with Hurricanes players. supplied

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F1: Everything you need to know before the 77th season

Source: Radio New Zealand

Visa Cash App Racing Bulls unveil their 2026 Formula One liveries JOE GALL / AFP

The 2026 Formula 1 season will feature some of the biggest technical changes in the history of the sport, since the inaugural season in 1950.

The cars get an overhaul with the two testing sessions in Bahrain in February critical in preparation for the start of the new championship in early March.

Here is everything you need to know ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season.

2026

The new championship will hopefully provide a much needed spark which 2025 lacked until Max Verstappen’s late run for a fifth title.

Lando Norris is the defending champion and McLaren can expect to be among the frontrunners again. His team-mate Oscar Piastri faded in 2025, but will be hoping to be the front-runner this time while Verstappen can never be discounted.

However, new car regulations mean there is some unpredictability as to which teams will be the strongest.

With Andrew Newey in charge at Aston Martin it is hoped that they can be contenders with new engine supplier Honda, while Red Bull will debut their new power units in association with Ford.

Mercedes are expected to have their power unit up to speed at the start of the season.

There is one new driver – Arvid Lindblad at Racing Bulls, the return of another two – Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas at Cadillac, and plenty of experience with Fernando Alonso, 44, and Lewis Hamilton at 40 the two oldest drivers.

Throw in a new track, new team, and 2026 is shaping up to be a good one.

Cars

Formula 1 fans will be hearing a lot about Boost, Overtake, Active Aero and Recharge in 2026.

The changes to the regulations are the first since 2022, when aerodynamic designs were overhauled to promote closer racing.

The aerodynamics get another overall with the Drag Reduction System (DRS) replaced by a manual override engine mode.

At top speeds the hybrid engines will get a boost of electric power. It can only be used when a car is within one second of another.

The engines themselves remain a 1.6-litre V6 turbo but there is a significant increase in electrical energy meaning a 50-50 split between electric power and the energy produced by the internal combustion engine.

The cars will be slightly smaller and weigh about 30kg less, while tyres will also be slightly smaller in width.

Each team will use 100 percent sustainable fuel.

There is a significant increase in the team budget cap in 2026, rising from NZ$230 million to NZ$370m, primarily to cover the research and development costs for the new technical regulations.

Schedule

There is just one new Grand Prix in 2026 with Madrid replacing Imola, however there is a shift in scheduling.

The Madrid race will be held on a hybrid street/permanent circuit in September. The Canadian Grand Prix moves from June to May and will follow the race in Miami.

There are six sprint races in Shanghai, Miami, Montreal, Silverstone, Zandvoort and Singapore.

The Dutch Grand Prix will be run for the last time in August under its current contract.

McLaren F1 drivers Oscar Piastri (81) and Lando Norris (4) FLORENT GOODEN / PHOTOSPORT

Teams

Most notable in 2026 is the arrival of Cadillac with the General Motors brand the first new constructor since Haas in 2016. They will use Ferrari power units initially but the team hopes to be manufacturing their own in 2029.

Cadillac signed experience drivers Valterri Bottas and Sergio Perez.

Sauber becomes Audi this year with Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg retained from 2025 with the team using Audi engines instead of Ferrari.

Aston Martin changes to Honda engines, while Red Bull and Racing Bulls are now producing their own engines in association with Ford.

There is just one new driver to the F1 grid in 2026 with Arvid Lindblad promoted from F2 to join New Zealand’s Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls.

World champion Lando Norris has taken over number 1 for his car in 2026, while former champion Max Verstappen is switching to number 3.

Teams (engine, drivers and numbers)

Alpine – Mercedes, Pierre Gasly (10), Franco Colapinto (43)

Aston Martin – Honda, Fernando Alonso (14), Lance Stroll (18)

Audi – Audi, Gabriel Bortoleto (5), Nico Hulkenberg (27)

Cadillac – Ferrari, Sergio Perez (11), Valtteri Bottas (77)

Ferrari – Ferrari, Charles Leclerc (16), Lewis Hamilton (44)

Haas – Ferrari, Oliver Bearman (87), Esteban Ocon (31)

McLaren – Mercedes, Oscar Piastri (81), Lando Norris (1)

Mercedes – Mercedes, George Russell (63), Andrea Kimi Antonelli (12)

Red Bull – Red Bull-Ford, Max Verstappen (3), Isack Hadjar (6)

Racing Bulls – Red Bull-Ford, Liam Lawson (30), Arvid Lindblad (41)

Williams – Mercedes, Alex Albon (23), Carlos Sainz (55)

Qualifying

Battery power is set to make an impact in qualifying with fastest laps likely to be determined by preparation laps where drivers will endeavour to charge their batteries as much as possible.

Extra speed will be determined by the battery power so drivers will not want to use that any more than necessary as they build up to their quick lap, but that could be affected by traffic.

The driver controls the car’s battery, not the software.

Drivers use and charge battery energy as they accelerate and brake so they will have to manage their way around a lap knowing when to push and when to conserve so they can keep enough in the battery.

New Zealand driver Liam Lawson of Racing Bulls. FLORENT GOODEN / PHOTOSPORT

Liam Lawson

After making his debut in 2023, Lawson has now raced in 35 Grand Prix.

He had a torrid 2025 after starting the year in Red Bull before being demoted to Racing Bulls after two rounds. Lawson finished 15th in the driver standings with seven top 10 finishes, his best was fifth in Azerbaijan.

However, he also had five DNF’s and will need to be more consistent this year.

With Isack Hadjar now promoted to Red Bull, Lawson is the senior driver at Racing Bulls, who have promoted Arvid Lindblad from F2.

Lawson believes he will be better.

Calendar

1/ March 6-8 Australian Grand Prix

2/ March 13-15 Chinese Grand Prix

3/ March 27-29 Japanese Grand Prix

4/ April 10-12 Bahrain Grand Prix

5/ April 17-19 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

6/ May 1-3 Miami Grand Prix

7/ May 22-24 Canadian Grand Prix

8/ June 5-7 Monaco Grand Prix

9/ June 12-14 Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix

10/ June 26-28 Austrian Grand Prix

11/ July 3-5 British Grand Prix

12/ July 17-19 Belgian Grand Prix

13/ July 24-26 Hungarian Grand Prix

14/ Aug 21-23 Dutch Grand Prix

15/ Sept 4-6 Italian Grand Prix

16/ Sept 11-13 Spanish Grand Prix

17/ Sept 25-27 Azerbaijan Grand Prix

18/ Oct 9-11 Singapore Grand Prix

19/ Oct 23-25 United States Grand Prix

20/ Oct 30-Nov 1 Mexican Grand Prix

21/ Nov 6-8 Brazilian Grand Prix

22/ Nov 19-21 Las Vegas Grand Prix

23/ Nov 27-29 Qatar Grand Prix

24/ Dec 4-6 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

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Super Rugby Pacific preview: The Chiefs

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 a Chiefs side desperately looking for a title win.

Read: Highlanders preview

Read: Moana Pasifika preview

Read: Blues preview

Read: Hurricanes preview

Overview

Sevu Reece and other Crusaders players react to winning a penalty. Peter Meecham/www.photosport.nz

Another year, another heartbreak for the Chiefs is the best way to sum up 2025. After dominating the regular season, they stumbled in the first round of playoffs and lost home ground advantage for the eventual final against the Crusaders. It ended up being their third consecutive final defeat in a row, ruining Clayton McMillan’s exit and equalling the most amount of finals lost by one team.

The Good

Chiefs Tupou Vaa’i is congratulated by Chiefs Wallace Sititi during the Highlanders v Chiefs, Super Rugby Pacific match, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, New Zealand. Friday, 30 May 2025, (Photo by Michael Thomas / action press) Michael Thomas / action press

The Chiefs are once again stacked with talent and will have Wallace Sititi fit and ready to go from the start of the season. Damian McKenzie is absolutely lethal at this level and they’ve added a new weapon in Kyren Tamouefolau outside him, in an already very productive backline.

There’s also minimal changes to the pack, so it should be easy for new coach Jonno Gibbes to simply continue what McMillan had built.

The Bad

Clayton McMillan and Tupou Vaa’i of the Chiefs. John Davidson / www.photosport.nz

Just how much of a psychological effect will three finals losses in a row have on this group? It’s something that they will be reminded of at every opportunity, probably starting with their Blues opponents this weekend as soon as the ball is kicked off. Shaun Stevenson is a big loss too, as he very much embodied the culture of the team.

Big boots to fill

Kyren Tamouefolau tackled by Charlie Gamble of the Waratahs. PHOTOSPORT

Tamouefolau arrives from Moana Pasifika after an outstanding 2025 season. It’s not so much about what he needs to replace at the Chiefs, as he’s effectively taking Stevenson’s spot, more living up to the hype that had him in some conversations about an eventual All Black call up.

What makes Chiefs fans different

Chiefs mascot with fans and supporters. Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

They know pain by now, that’s for sure. Three years of losing to the Blues and Crusaders (twice) would make any fan be somewhat dreading the prospect of having to go through it all again. However, they breed them tough in Chiefs country and even though their record is now the same as the Buffalo Bills in the Super Bowl, the fans will show up in numbers as always.

Big games

Three massive fixtures to open the season, with the Blues, Highlanders and Crusaders set to give a brutal gauge on whether the Chiefs will be title contenders again. They then play those same three opponents to close out the regular season as well, with another grudge match against the Blues looming in Hamilton.

Chiefs 2026 squad

Props: Benet Kumeroa, George Dyer, Jared Proffit, Ollie Norris, Reuben O’Neill, Sione Ahio

Hookers: Brodie McAlister, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Taine Kolose, Tyrone Thompson

Locks: Aisake Vakasiuola, Fiti Sa, Jayden Sa, Josh Lord, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Tupou Vaa’i

Loose forwards: Jahrome Brown, Kaylum Boshier, Luke Jacobson, Samipeni Finau, Simon Parker, Wallace Sititi

Halfbacks: Cortez Ratima, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Xavier Roe

First fives: Damian McKenzie, Josh Jacomb, Tepaea Cook-Savage

Midfield: Daniel Rona, Kyle Brown, Lalakai Foketi, Quinn Tupaea

Outside backs: Emoni Narawa, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Isaac Hutchinson, Kyren Taumoefolau, Leroy Carter, Liam Coombes-Fabling

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T20 World Cup: Black Caps set new T20 World Cup record partnership to crush UAE

Source: Radio New Zealand

Daryl Mitchell tries to play a shot during the first ODI between India and New Zealand SHAMMI MEHRA

Finn Allen and Tim Seifert posted a T20 World Cup record partnership of 175 as the Black Caps crushed the United Arab Emirates by 10 wickets with almost five overs to spare in Chennai on Tuesday.

Chasing the UAE’s 173-6, Seifert struck an unbeaten 89 and Allen scored 84 not out as they pummelled the UAE bowling to all parts of the ground in an unbroken opening stand.

The opening pair crashed 78 from the first six-over power play and posted their century stand off only 8.3 overs.

Seifert hit one of his three huge sixes to clinch the contest after just 15.2 overs, he also struck 12 fours. Allen had five sixes and five fours.

They beat the previous record for any wicket at a T20 World Cup — an unbroken 170 by England openers Alex Hales and Jos Buttler against India in the semi-final of the 2022 edition at the Adelaide Oval.

“The main thing is that we’re playing how we want to play, especially me and Finn putting pressure on the bowlers in the power play,” said Seifert, who was named player of the match.

“Every game’s going to be a little bit different, every ground’s going to be different.

“So in a World Cup, you’ve just got to be able to adapt to the conditions you’re playing in.”

Seifert said he was unaware the pair had posted a new World Cup record partnership for any wicket.

“No, I didn’t know that,” he said. “I’m not much of a stats guy, but look, we’ll take it.”

The UAE’s 173-6 was largely thanks to their captain Muhammad Waseem’s 66 not out.

Choosing to bat first, Waseem and Alishan Sharafu put on 107 for the second wicket.

It took a sensational piece of New Zealand fielding to break the partnership.

Mark Chapman intercepted a Sharafu slog-sweep a whisker inside the boundary and before he stepped over the ropes relayed the ball to Daryl Mitchell to complete the dismissal.

The 31-year-old Waseem, who was one of only three current UAE players to play in their last appearance in a T20 World Cup in 2022, hit four fours and three sixes in facing 45 balls.

New Zealand kicked off the campaign with a clinical five-wicket win over Afghanistan on Sunday. They have a four-day break as they head to Ahmedabad for a crunch match with South Africa on Sunday, before playing their final group game against Canada next Tuesday.

– AFP

See how every ball was played below:

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