Weekend Sport with Jason Pine

The debut of the Indian Panthers from the men's NBL was always going to be a disaster, according to long-time basketball coach Jeff Green.  The Panthers have been suspended indefinitely after allegations emerged around delayed player payments and treatment.  Green told Jason Pine it was a tough ask to come in at a late stage with no real ties to this country, and to be any chance of surviving, it needed to be planned carefully.  He also has suspicions it was a trans-Tasman back-door listing attempt.  Green told Piney the ill-fated Indian Panthers may have been a Trojan horse to enter the other NBL.  Green says he's basing his allegations on the fact all the Panthers owners are based in Australia.  "You can assume that they were doing similar things to what the Tasmanian Huskies did early on a few years ago when they entered the New Zealand NBL, and then they left and became the Tasmanian Jack Jumpers in the Australian NBL.”   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for Sunday 27 April. Get the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast every Saturday and Sunday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland FC is set to win the A-League premiership in their very first season no matter what happens this evening. The Crowd Goes Wild's James McOnie speculates ahead of the final match. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Liverpool only has five games left in the current EPL season, and they're 12 points clear at the top. Arsenal, which is currently in second place, has only four games left - meaning Liverpool is one point away from clinching a second title in the Premier League era. Liverpool Supporters Group of Wellington chair Andrew McGoff joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ice Blacks are gearing up for their next big event- they're set to play in the men's world hockey championships in the coming days. Coach Cameron Frear joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland FC's historic A-League premiership win will be celebrated this afternoon when they lift the regular season silverware following their clash against Perth Glory at Mt Smart. Thanks to results overnight, the Black Knights have an unassailable lead at the top of the table heading into their penultimate match. Gun midfielder Louis Verstraete joined Piney to unpack what made the side so successful in its debut season. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been a difficult start for the Blues this Super Rugby season, but the team's boss is hoping this will change. A 35-21 defeat to the Reds in Brisbane is the team's seventh loss - leaving them languishing in ninth on the ladder after 10 matches. Blues CEO Andrew Hore joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland FC has accomplished a significant feat and clinched the Premiers Plate without kicking a ball. Melbourne City's nil-all draw with Adelaide ensured the Black Knights can't be overtaken on the regular season ladder. Auckland FC player Nando Pijnaker joined Piney ahead of the team's clash at Mount Smart Stadium. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A fierce desire to play for each other is behind Auckland FC's historic run to the A-League's Premiers Plate. The Black Knights will lift the silverware as the best regular season team following this afternoon's clash against Perth Glory at Mount Smart. Auckland FC CEO Nick Becker joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2025 World Snooker Championship is well underway.  It runs from the 19th of April through to May 5th at the Crucible in Sheffield – the very best in the world competing to claim the game’s most famous and coveted trophy.  Totally Snookered’s Michael Day joined Piney to give an update on the state of the competition so far.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for 26th April 2025, New Zealand Cricket has a new venture. CEO Scott Weenink discusses the decision to branch out into Major League Cricket.  The Warriors claimed the first Anzac Day win since 2014 – Adam Pompey joined to break down their decisive victory. And speaking of dominating wins, the Chiefs are five points clear at the top of the Super Rugby table after thumping the Western Force 56-22. Josh Jacomb talks their win.  Get the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast every Saturday and Sunday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the most anticipated events in team sports is currently taking place.  257 players will be selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, with each team eager to claim the best athletes they can.  Leon Busby joined Jason Pine to break down the current standings and delve into the importance of the event.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Chiefs are sitting pretty at the top of the Super Rugby table – five points clear of the Crusaders in second.  It comes after their dominating victory over the Western Force, claiming the win 56-22.  Chiefs CEO Simon Graafhuis joined Jason Pine for a chat about the team’s success in this season, and how it influences the club as a whole.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A pause to celebrate and rest for the Chiefs ahead of a big couple of weeks for their Super Rugby title ambitions.  Their 56-22 thumping of the Force leaves them five points clear at the top.  Away derbies against the Hurricanes and Crusaders loom - but coach Clayton McMillan says they're taking it one step at a time.  Chief’s Josh Jacomb joined Piney to break down their win.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A marked improvement in the Warriors attack has inspired a 26-12 NRL victory over the Newcastle Knights - their first Anzac Day win since 2014.  The hosts ran in five tries, with Adam Pompey and Jackson Ford bagging doubles.  It's their fifth win of the season, taking them to third on the NRL ladder.  Pompey joined Piney for a chat about their decisive victory.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand Cricket is branching out.  They've become the first national body in the code to invest in a franchise T20 league - taking a stake in an expansion team in North America's Major League Cricket.  The aim is to keep some of our leading players – and coaches – available for Black Caps duty, instead of opting to effectively become freelancers on the global Twenty20 stage.  NZ Cricket CEO Scott Weenink joined Jason Pine to talk about the decision.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James McOnie from the The Crowd Goes Wild host joined Piney to discuss Auckland FC's latest win and the ongoing Super Rugby season. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Easter is the season of renewal - and one expert joined Piney to reveal how that spirit can be applied to coaching in a changing world. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Swimming champion Cam Leslie is set to leap into the water for the upcoming 2028 LA Paralympic Games. He joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Octagon's Phillip Parun joined Piney to discuss his role within the agency - and what it represents in the world of sport. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Chiefs are level with the Crusaders on 32 competition points but lead on points difference. This is a significant departure following an underwhelming Super Rugby season in 2024. Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another year brings another Auckland Easter show, with more Kiwi athletes making an appearance at the Auckland Showgrounds.  Top Kiwi BMX champion Ellie Chew joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

IIHF President Luc Tardif made an appearance at the World Women’s Division IIB Ice Hockey Championship in Dunedin. He joined Piney to discuss after the fact.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland FC are trying to keep what's likely to be a milestone achievement from becoming a distraction as they return home from their latest A-League football triumph. The Black Knights have a six point buffer at the top of the standings after a 2-nil away win over Melbourne Victory. A win over Perth Glory next Sunday at Mount Smart would secure Auckland FC the Premiers Plate for the top finishing side in the regular season. Director of Football Terry McFlynn joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Chiefs have marched back to the top of the Super Rugby Pacific ladder after a 46-10 hiding of the Highlanders in Hamilton. The hosts ran in five second half tries, scoring 33 unanswered points after leading 13-10 at the break. Gold Sport commentator Graeme 'Minty' Mead joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A 50-metre penalty kick from Luke Metcalf has seen the Warriors pip the Brisbane Broncos 20-to-18 in golden point in their NRL clash at Mt Smart. Broncos fullback Reece Walsh sent the golden point kickoff dead, handing the hosts the match winning penalty after scores were tied at 18-all. Former Warrior Motu Tony joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Highlanders are in a scrap for a position in the Super Rugby finals.  Piney had a midseason catchup with their CEO Roger Clark, to break down how the season’s been tracking.  “All the games we've played this year, we've been pretty close, we just haven't finished the big moment.”  “If we want to be part of the playoff contention, we're gonna need to start finishing those big moments.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ice Fernz are in action at the Dunedin Ice Stadium playing in the IHHF Division 2, Group B World Championships.   They're currently undefeated, shaping up for a clash with the other unbeaten team, Australia.   Coach Brooke Patron and Alternate captain Hope Gregory join Piney to preview the clash.  “The best teams rise to the occasion, so I'm looking forward to the challenge for sure,” Patron told him.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for 19th April 2025, Jordie Barrett joins Piney to discuss how his sabbatical is going in Leinster and how he thinks Reiko Ioane will fare up there.  The Crusaders have found an unlikely hero, with former Wallaby James O'Connor kicking them to victory over the Blues. He stopped by to discuss that kick.  And Dame Noeline Taurua offers her thoughts on Grace Nweke's Silver Ferns eligibility.  Get the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast every Saturday and Sunday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Netball New Zealand is reviewing the ruling that currently blocks Grace Nweke from putting on the black dress.  She’s currently ineligible for the Silver Ferns, after leaving to play for a team over in Australia.  Coach Dame Noeline Taurua joined Piney to give her thoughts on the current situation.  “When we knew she was keen to come over to Sydney or to play in the SSN, and understanding her reason as well, to be better, and to be a better netballer but also to be a better Silver Fern,” she said.  “The intent is there, she still wants to play, and I definitely support that.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Crusaders have beaten the Blues in an absolute thriller in Christchurch, thanks to a game-winning penalty from James O’Connor.  The former Wallaby stepped up, converting a penalty after the final buzzer to deliver his team yet another win, keeping them at the top of the table.  He joined Piney to reflect on the kick and how he’s been enjoying playing in New Zealand.  “Awesome to get that win because that was definitely a battle.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All Blacks midfielder Jordie Barrett has revealed his partner in crime Rieko Ioane reached out for some advice before signing a sabbatical deal with Irish club Leinster for 2026.  Despite receiving interest from Japan, Ioane made the bombshell move by following in Barrett’s footsteps with a move to Dublin to play in the United Rugby Championship (URC), which features teams from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Italy and South Africa.  Ioane will make the move at the end of the year for a six-month stint between December and June, which rules him out for the Super Rugby Pacific season with the Blues but he remains eligible for the All Blacks.  Ioane’s announcement was met with a mainly positive response, although some Leinster faithful were clearly still bitter after his feud with the club’s favourite son and all-time leading points scorer, Johnny Sexton, which started after the All Blacks knocked Ireland out of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.  After plenty of backchat on the field, Ioane told Sexton to enjoy retirement and to not miss his flight home after New Zealand’s quarter-final win.  With Sexton relitigating that personal clash in his book, Ioane was widely painted as public enemy No 1 in the build-up to the All Blacks and Ireland rematch in Dublin last November.  Ioane led the haka before the match and played a key role on the field as the All Blacks went on to snap Ireland’s 19-game unbeaten run at home. Ioane posted a picture to social media with the caption “put that in the book” to double down on his villain status in Ireland.  Speaking to Newstalk ZB’s Jason Pine, Barrett said he believed Ioane can stamp his mark in Ireland.  “He sounded me out about 10 days ago and just asked a few questions,” he said.  “He didn’t say a whole lot, so I didn’t get a good inkling of where his head or heart was, but look, I woke up on my day off and the news had dropped on my phone.  “It gave me 24 hours, without having a barrage of questions at training the morning I went in there, so I got all of them yesterday.  “He’ll go great. It’s a great place to develop and he’ll see a lot of improvements up here as a player, and get out of his comfort zone in Auckland and the Blues and [it’s] a chance to grow.  “I think it’s a great challenge for him.”  Leinster's Tommy O'Brien and Jordie Barrett celebrate following the Investec Champions Cup quarter-final match at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin in Ireland. (Photo by Damien Eagers/PA Images via Getty Images) Barrett admits it’s been an adjustment for him, but he’s loving life in Ireland, especially on the golf course.  When Barrett announced his move to Ireland, it came as a shock as most players tend to take their sabbatical in Japan, like his brother Beauden did last year.  In fact, he was the first All Black since 2009 to choose Europe over Japan, when Dan Carter signed with Perpignan.  While there were concerns around his workload due to the demands of European rugby, Barrett said he had an extended break while the Six Nations took place in February and March.  During that time, a limited of matches were played and when they were, youngsters were given opportunities to prove themselves.  That rest has helped Barrett stay focused to help Leinster charge towards winning titles.  In the URC, they have only lost once this season – by one point to the Bulls in Pretoria – and hold an eight-point lead over the defending champions Glasgow Warriors with four games remaining in the regular season.  They face the Warriors in the final match of the season but will be confident after crushing them 52-0 in the European Championship quarter-finals last weekend.  Barrett, who has played nine games thus far between second five and fullback, admits there have been some easier games, but plenty of tough battles.  Overall, Barrett believes he’s become a better rugby player for the experience.  “I reserve that judgment for people watching on the telly, but I feel like I’m growing my game,” said Barrett.  “It was a challenge to come up here, become familiar with another system and different coaches and players in a different culture and environment.  “I feel like my rugby’s improving, which is nice, and, it’s neverending, like any footy player just wants to improve, and I feel like I’m making slight improvements.  “Hopefully we give ourselves another chance and earn the right to make a European final in a few weeks’ time and then push deep into the URC competition.”  Should Leinster go all the way in both completions, the European Rugby Champions Cup final takes place on May 25, with the URC final on June 15.  That would give Barrett enough time to return to New Zealand for the All Blacks’ test series against France, starting on July 5 in Dunedin.  Barrett says he has been in touch with All Blacks coach Scott Robertson and is eager to square off against the French.

James McOnie from The Crowd Goes Wild joined Piney to discuss the 2025 Masters and the ongoing Super Rugby season.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wellington Phoenix women's side are set to face off against Canberra United. Alyssa Winham joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for Sunday 13 April. Get the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast every Saturday and Sunday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The coach of the Blues women, Willie Walker, says last night's victory was still a little too close for comfort. An early 12-0 deficit and a late red card weren’t enough to prevent the defending champions from topping a strong Matatū side, clinging on to a 26-19 win at Eden Park. Walker joined Piney to discuss further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the calm before the Melbourne Storm for the Warriors heading into this afternoon's NRL clash - but one player is set to celebrate an important milestone. Eight years after making his debut for the Warriors against the Melbourne Storm, Erin Clark will face off against the same opponents in his 100th first-grade game this afternoon. He joined Piney to reminisce ahead of the clash at Melbourne's AAMI Park. Kick-off is at 4pm. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matthew Payne and Ryan Wood provided the Kiwi highlights on the first day of Supercars racing in Taupō on Saturday. Ryan scored his third first and Wood his first third in the afternoon’s opening sprint race. Motorsport commentator Mark Skaife joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Highlanders have bounced back - with a 43-20 victory over the Fijian Drua. This breaks the team's four-game losing streak - and lifts them up to 7th on the table. Highlanders assistant coach Clarke Dermody joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Blues coach Vern Cotter has commended Beauden Barrett's influence on the Super Rugby team since returning from a hand injury. The All Black steered the Blues to a 19-point win over Moana Pasifika and Cotter says the number 10's talent is unmatched.  Newstalk ZB Rugby Commentator Elliott Smith joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A familiar foe looms as golfer Rory McIlroy's biggest obstacle between the Northern Irishman and a maiden green jacket heading into the final round of the Masters at Augusta. McIlroy carded a third-round six-under par 66, taking him to 12-under overall, as he holds a two-shot lead over LIV golf rival Bryson DeChambeau. It'll be a rematch of last year's US Open showdown, where McIlroy missed two short putts in the final three holes of the event, allowing DeChambeau to snatch a late victory. Graeme Agars joined Piney to recap the action. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The race is on to determine the future host of the 2035 Rugby World Cup, and plenty of contenders have voiced interest. Reports claim that Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE have expressed interest in hosting the event - but Spain, Japan and Italy have also thrown their hats in the ring for the cup. Former Prime Minister Helen Clark played a key role in getting the Rugby World Cup over to our shores in 2011 - and she joined Piney to discuss whether it could happen again. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for Saturday April 12th, Super Rugby Aupiki comes to an end tonight with a clash between the Blues Women and Matatu. Former Black Fern Kendra Cocksedge previews the grand final.   Gary Stead is stepping back as coach of the Black Caps’ white-ball team – could a split-coaching model be in New Zealand’s future?  And the Crusaders claimed the top spot on the Super Rugby Pacific board – Coach Rob Penney joining Piney to break down their performance.   Get the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast every Saturday and Sunday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland FC coach Steve Corica believes his side still have plenty left in the tank as they look to claim the A-League's Premier's Plate with four games remaining.  The Black Knights are five points clear of their nearest rivals heading into tonight's contest away at Sydney FC.  Corica admits it'll be a tough run home but is confident his side can finish the regular season strong.  He joined Jason Pine to unpack the season so far and preview tonight's clash. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s come to the end for Super Rugby Aupiki.  Tonight is the grand final, the Blues Women hosting Matatu at Eden Park.  Former Black Fern Kendra Cocksedge joined Jason Pine to preview the match, giving her thoughts on how it will play out.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Crusaders have made their way to the top spot.  They’re sitting in first after a seven-point win over the Hurricanes in Wellington.  Coach Rob Penney joined Jason Pine to unpack the win and look ahead to the rest of the season.   “We’ve got an opportunity now to against a really good Blues team.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Williams is one half of one of the most successful golfing partnerships in the sport’s history.  He was the caddy for Tiger Woods, the two spending twelve years working together.  Williams joined Jason Pine for a chat about his recently released book ‘Together We Roared’, which covers the partnership, and gives an insight into what it takes to win a Masters.  “The more opportunities you have to play there, the better off you're gonna be.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gary Stead will step down as coach of the Black Caps’ white-ball teams, but will spend the next few weeks to decide if he will stay to lead the test team.  New Zealand cricket’s Bryan Stronach has said the organisation hasn’t got a strong preference for either a split-coaching model or a sole appointment at the current moment.   Ali Martin, cricket writer for The Guardian, joined Jason Pine to discuss the pros and cons of a split-coaching model, and whether it might be the right thing for the Black Caps.  “I can see why they’re mulling this over,” Martin said.  “In theory it should be possible having a single coach over the whole thing.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James McOnie from The Crowd Goes Wild joined Piney to discuss  Liam Lawson's next big race, the latest with the Super Rugby and the Black Caps' latest win. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for Sunday 6 April. Get the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast every Saturday and Sunday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.