Weekend Sport with Jason Pine

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for March 2nd, the Warriors faced off against the Raiders in Vegas, with several important people making the trip over to catch the action. One couple even renewed their wedding vows in a Warriors-themed ceremony. Later, former coach Mike Hesson joined Piney to preview the Black Caps v India cricket clash. Get the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast every Saturday and Sunday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Warriors CEO Cameron George is feeling the excitement as the team's 2025 NRL campaign begins in Las Vegas this afternoon. The Kiwi side is set to face off against the Canberra Raiders at 1pm - with the Panthers facing the Sharks from 5.30pm. George says it's been amazing seeing all the support ahead of the big day - but he reminded Piney the team has a job to do. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for Saturday 1 March. 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.

A number of New Zealand Golf Open ambassadors have been taking part in the Pro-Am.  Double World Cup winning All Blacks captain Richie McCaw is one of them! "My golf is certainly nothing to write home about, but, it's a pretty cool event and, yeah very, very privileged to be involved."  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The inaugural 4.5 million NZB Kiwi is on at Ellery Racecourse next Saturday. Described as the people's horse, three year old Pivotal Ten has been selected to run in the race, almost coming from nowhere to become the surprise star of the South. Pivotal Ten was purchased for just $15,000 at the 2022 New Zealand Bloodstock National weanling sale. Three years on, she'll race for a share of $4.5 million. Trainer and Jockey Samantha Wynn talks to Jason Pine about the event.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This weekend are the last few days of the New Zealand Golf Open.  Included amongst the pros, are a number of amateurs. Also a part of the event are New Zealand Golf Open ambassadors.  Former Australian cricket captain, and Golf Open ambassador Ricky Ponting talks to Jason Pine.  LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The NRL season opener in Las Vegas is all anyone's talking about.  What are the Warriors chances of success looking like? In cricket Australia played their final pool match against Afghanistan overnight … almost.  The game was abandoned due to rain in the 13th over.  Australian Correspondent Adam Peacock talks to Piney about both events, the football Socceroos making it to the final of the Asian Cup, Auckland FC's game against Adelaide United today, and the New Zealand Golf Open.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Rugby League season is under 24-hours away, kicking off in Las Vegas.  Hundreds of fans have descended on the American city as the Warriors are up against the Raiders at 1pm NZT tomorrow. Rugby League writer Buzz Rothfield is live from Las Vegas and talks to Jason Pine.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Chiefs have confirmed that head coach Clayton McMillan will join Irish club, Munster.  McMillian is being released from his contract one year early, leaving the Waikato team at the end of this current season.  His departure brings an end to his 5 seasons in charge at the Chiefs, during which he has lead them to the last two Super Rugby finals.  New Zealand Rugby's general manager of professional rugby Chris Landrum joins the show to discuss McMillan's move. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James McOnie from The Crowd Goes Wild joined Piney to recap Super Rugby season, Joe Parker's victory, Auckland FC's victory and the USA v Canada hockey series. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There'll be plenty of golf talent on show next weekend as the NZ Golf Open gets underway at both the Millbrook and Hills courses in the Queenstown Lakes region. One of the big names confirmed to appear is Ben Campbell - currently ranked 146th in the world. He joined Piney to discuss.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand continues their progress in the Champions Trophy series this week - with their clash against Bangladesh set to take place tomorrow night. This comes off the back of their first victory over Pakistan last week.  Black Caps captain Mitch Santner joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for 23rd of February, Piney chats to the CEO of NZ cricket about Sky's new broadcasting deal. It's another winning performance from Auckland FC - coach Steve Corica joined Piney to discuss. Finn Hurley from the Highlanders recaps the team's surprise victory over the Blues. And Black Caps captain Mitch Santner previews the team's upcoming clash against Bangladesh. Get the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast every Saturday and Sunday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Highlanders have dug deep to secure a famous 29-21 win over reigning Super Rugby champions the Blues in Dunedin. Down to 13 players following injuries in the front row and a red card for prop Daniel Lienert-Brown - the team managed to turn their luck around. Highlanders fullback Finn Hurley joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tall Blacks are bracing for a physical clash against the Philippines in their Asia Cup basketball qualifying game in Auckland.  Both teams have already qualified for the tournament later this year, but the winner will take top spot in their group. New Zealand will look to avenge a four-point loss to the Philippines last November. Assistant head coach Mike Fitchett joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boxer Joseph Parker has put the heavyweight division's champions on notice after a second-round knockout of Martin Bakole in Riyadh. The Kiwi was set to challenge IBF champion Daniel Dubois but the Brit withdrew from the bout due to being sick, leading to Bakole to step in at short notice. NZ Herald sports writer Liam Napier joined Piney to recap the match. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland FC coach Steve Corica believes there's now no doubt who is the best team in New Zealand after a third straight A-League win over the Wellington Phoenix - a 6-1 demolition at Mt Smart.  The Black Knights lead the A-League by a staggering eight points, while the Phoenix have fallen to 11th in the 13th-strong league. Auckland FC coach Steve Corica joined Piney to recap the victory.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sky TV has reclaimed the rights to screen international cricket matches played in New Zealand in a six-year deal starting in late 2026. The pay-TV operator, which lost domestic rights to Spark Sport in 2020, has clinched a new deal which gives it the rights to screen Black Caps matches again.   New Zealand Cricket CEO Scott Weenink joined Piney to discuss the deal - and explain why the certainty is better for Kiwi cricket. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for Saturday 22 February. 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 Football Ferns have their first games of 2025 in the next few days. They'll come up against Costa Rica tomorrow and again on Wednesday. Interim head coach Michael May has appointed an all-new coaching staff for this tour, including former Football Ferns goalkeeper Jenny Binden as his assistant coach. Bindon appeared at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, as well as the FIFA Women's World Cups in 2007, again in 2011, and she talks to Piney about the upcoming games.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The world's leading triathletes are coming together tomorrow with the 2nd annual Napier Triathlon Festival, including men's and women's elite races. 15 nations are represented across the elite men's and women's fields, with 20 New Zealanders. The Kiwi's leading the way are 2024 Paris Olympians Ainsley Thorpe and Nicole Vander Kay, and 2018 Commonwealth Games medallist Taylor Reid.  Ried talks to Piney about the festival.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's fastest female sprinter of all time, Zoe Hobbs, became the first New Zealand female sprinter to compete at the Olympic Games since 1976. Now she will attend the International track meet in Christchurch next weekend.  Zoe Hobbs talks to Piney about what she's taken away from Paris, disappointment in the semi-final, staying composed, and the next records she's set her sights on.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on the show we are going across the Tasman to discuss and unpick some of the big sporting issues in Australia. Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh and former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika have reportedly met. This comes as Joe Schmidt announced recently that he will be leaving his role as head coach.  Could Michael Cheika return as Wallabies coach? Australian Correspondent Adam Peacock joins the show the discuss the potential, Australia playing England tonight in the Champion's Trophy and the Matilda's playing in the SheBelieves Cup. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Chiefs beat the Crusaders in a history making win last night.  The winning margin of 25 points is the biggest the Chiefs have ever had over the Crusaders in the history of Super Rugby. What does their coach Clayton McMillan make of the win?  "We just keep putting little kicks in behind that made it hard for them to exit out of their 22, and I guess that accumulated pressure just took its toll on them," he said.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James McOnie from The Crowd Goes Wild joined Piney to recap the start of the Super Rugby season. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwi driver Shane van Gisbergen will be a fulltime fixture on the grid in the 2025 Nascar Cup Series. Van Gisbergen made a splash on the American scene after joining Trackhouse Racing for a one-off project in 2023, racing in the inaugural event at the Chicago Street Course. NASCAR commentator Nate Ryan joined Elliott Smith to discuss.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former New Zealand tennis professional can't believe world number one Jannik Sinner was able to negotiate the length of his drugs ban. The World Anti-Doping Agency shortened a potential two-year ban to just three months following Sinner's positive tests last year. Lee Radovanovich joined Elliott Smith to express his disappointment. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A pioneering moment for skier Alice Robinson in Austria. She's secured a maiden world championship medal - a silver - in the giant slalom. She joined Elliott Smith to recap the win. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sports-based betting continues to grow in popularity, but it comes with a share of problems for athletes and fans alike. Tennis stars like James Watt and Monique Barry have opened up about the abuse they receive online - abuse they believe comes from bettors who had gambled on their matches. Andree Froude from the Problem Gambling Foundation joined Elliott Smith to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwi tennis player Monique Barry has revealed she receives abusive messages after losing matches on the international tennis circuit. Barry, ranked 480 in the world, opened up about the abuse and death threats she'd faced from angry commenters - and she suspects many are from international bettors who gambled on her matches. She joined Elliott Smith to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A win full of grit and satisfaction for the Chiefs to open their 2025 Super Rugby Pacific campaign. Trailing the Blues by eight at halftime at Eden Park - they've scored 19 unanswered points to collect a 25-14 win. Former All Black and Sky Sport commentator Jeff Wilson joined Smithy to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for 16th February 2025, Elliott Smith is in the hot seat and he talks to Jeff Wilson and James McOnie about the start of the 2025 Super Rugby season. Kiwi tennis stars James Watt and Monique Barry have opened up about being targeted by online abuse - with Monique Barry joining Elliott Smith to discuss the backlash. And Lee Radovanovich joined Elliott Smith to express his disappointment that Jannik Sinner's ban was shortened to three months. Get the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast every Saturday and Sunday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian soccer captain Sam Kerr can breathe easy, avoiding a prison sentence after being accused of racially harassing a London police officer.  The 31-year-old has been found not guilty after calling an officer stupid and white after a night out in 2023.  It followed a cleaning cost dispute with her taxi driver, who drove her and her partner to the police station.  Australian Correspondent Adam Peacock unpacked the decision.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Blues are preparing to defend their Super Rugby title.  They’re beginning the season with a rematch of last year’s grand final – clashing against the Chiefs at Eden Park.  Blues CEO Andrew Hore joined Elliott Smith to preview the season.   “There’s another 10 teams out there that’ll want to do us in, so we’ve just got to be aware that it ain’t, they don’t just roll over and give you, give you a victory.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Crusaders got off to a winning start.  The began the 2025 Super Rugby season with a 33-25 win over the Hurricanes, spurred on by reserve halfback Kyle Preston.  Preston was brought on early in the game, replacing the injured Noah Hotham, and proceeding to score three tries.  Preston told Elliott Smith he wasn’t expecting the hat trick.   “I was hoping for one at least on debut, and to get three was, yeah, pretty special.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for 15th February 2025, Elliott Smith is in the hot seat, and he catches up with NZR CEO Mark Robinson to discuss the fallout with INEOS.  Alfie Sharman of sports streaming service DAZN joins the show to chat about the future of sports streaming.  And Crusaders hat trick hero Kyle Preston stops in to talk about his debut.  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.

The world of sports watching is changing.  Many streaming platforms are beginning to offer sports broadcasting as part of their packages, a recent one being Disney’s adding ESPN to their platform in Australia.   DAZN has specialised in sports streaming for about a decade, and is looking to expand their reach further around the world.  Alfie Sharman, Vice President of Marketing for the US, UK/Ireland, and Global Markets, joined Elliott Smith to discuss their strategy as sports streaming becomes more popular.  “Given the fact that consumers are wanting more sport, there is more sport to be had, and then services like ours where we see ourselves very much as the, y’know, the forefront of sports streaming and have been for many years now, it allows us the space to be creative and innovate.”   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) CEO Mark Robinson has spoken publicly for the first time since it was revealed that NZR is suing Ineos for an alleged breach of contract that will leave the national organisation exposed to potential multimillion-dollar losses.  NZR informed the provincial unions this week it was launching legal action after Ineos, the world’s largest chemical producer and owned by British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, abruptly walked away from its lucrative sponsorship agreement three years early and failed to make its first payment in 2025.  Ineos agreed a six-year sponsorship agreement with NZR in 2022. Its branding has been visible on the All Blacks, the Black Ferns and both sevens sides’ jerseys. However, with Ratcliffe now wanting out, that branding will be immediately removed.  The stoush could have widespread ramifications for the New Zealand rugby ecosystem, with financial challenges already prevalent throughout the game, particularly at the grassroots level, and Ineos among the three major sponsors alongside Adidas and Altrad.  The Ineos deal is believed to be worth $21 million a year to New Zealand Rugby.  Robinson told Newstalk ZB’s Elliott Smith that conversations began at the back end of 2024 and that they had been working on a resolution for “a little while”.  “There were some conversations at the back half of last year, so we’ve been working at this a little while, [we’re] obviously disappointed that it’s got to this stage where Ineos have breached and are wanting to walk away but by the same token we have to work quickly to protect our commercial interests and the wider game.  “We’re confident we have absolutely delivered on our agreement and we’re just going to have to work through it.”  Robinson wouldn’t be drawn in to speculating as to Ineos’ motivations for pulling out of the deal, with Ratcliffe citing market conditions in Europe adding financial pressure to the company.  “That’s for them to speak to ... we’ve been overwhelmed with incredible support from our partners around the world and domestically who continue to be really pleased with the value we offer in these partnerships.  “What we’re focused on is obviously getting a resolution around this matter and then focused on the future.”  Ineos said that it had sought to renegotiate the deal with New Zealand Rugby and expressed regret that the matter is now the subject of legal action.  “Unfortunately, rather than working towards a managed solution, New Zealand Rugby have chosen to pursue legal action against their sponsor. We remain in ongoing discussion with New Zealand Rugby.”  Robinson wouldn’t disclose details about any proposed settlement terms but did say there would remain contact between the parties around a possible resolution.  “As I say, we’ve been working on this for a little while. It got to a stage where clearly we weren’t able to do that and the next step the path we’ve gone down. We’ll keep in contact about whether there’s any other possibilities through mediation but I’m not going to comment on that.”  The NZR boss said he does not regret entering into the deal with Ineos.  “There’s been some really good things achieved in it, but unfortunately it’s got to this stage.”  Robinson declined to divulge whether there had been communication between the parties since the legal action was taken by NZR, but said they would “continue to work through it”.  Will Toogood is an online sports editor and golf reporter for the NZ Herald. He enjoys watching people chase a ball around on a grass surface so much he decided to make a living out of it.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James McOnie from The Crowd Goes Wild joined Piney to discuss the Super Rugby and Six Nations Rugby seasons, the Luka Doncic trade, the Black Caps and the Super Bowl. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Super Bowl LIX is set to kick off tomorrow afternoon - and the Kansas City Chiefs are feeling hopeful they can break their record and win a third time. They're set to face off against the Philadelphia Eagles at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. NFL expert Leon Busby joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're less than a week away from the start of the 2025 Super Rugby season - and the Highlanders are hoping to build off of last year's momentum. Highlanders head coach Jamie Joseph joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Chiefs are feeling hopeful ahead of the 2025 Super Rugby season. The side recently beat out Moana Pasifika in a pre-season game in Pukekohe.  Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Hurricanes are gearing up for another season of Super Rugby. The team recently beat out the champions, the Blues, 31-19 in their final Super Rugby Pacific pre-season hit-out in Wainuiomata. Coach Clark Laidlaw joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Moana Pasifika is gearing up for another season of Super Rugby - and they're hoping to build on the last three years within the sport. The team finished 11th on the 12-team table last year with 4 wins and 10 defeats. Moana Pasifika head coach Tana Umaga joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Moana Pasifika is gearing up for another season of Super Rugby - and they're hoping to build on the last three years within the sport. The team finished 11th on the 12-team table last year with 4 wins and 10 defeats. Moana Pasifika head coach Tana Umaga joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The line-up for Natural Selection Bike has been confirmed after Friday's event qualifier in Queenstown. Kiwi competitor Robin Goomes joined Piney to discuss.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for the 9th February 2025, we're less than a week away from the Super Rugby season. The coaches of the Blues, the Crusaders, Moana Pasifika, the Hurricanes, the Chiefs and the Highlanders joined Piney to discuss. Resident NFL expert Leon Busby also previewed the upcoming Super Bowl Super Bowl LIX - can the Chiefs make it a three-peat victory?  Get the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast every Saturday and Sunday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's still hope the Crusaders can turn their luck around for the next Super Rugby season. The Highlanders have already beaten out the Crusaders 29-24 in the Super Rugby preseason game in Invercargill earlier in the week. Crusaders head coach Rob Penney joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt will step down at the end of this year’s Rugby Championship, with Australia announcing Thursday they would immediately begin the search for his successor. Schmidt’s last game in charge will now be the Bledisloe Cup clash against New Zealand on October 4 in Perth after he agreed to stay on a bit longer. Former Wallabies coach John Connolly joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's plenty of speculation as to how the Blues will build off of last year's momentum in the 2025 Super Rugby season. Harry Plummer and Stephen Perofeta helped steer the Blues to victory last year at 10 - and this year, the team welcomes back Beauden Barrett after a stint in Japan.   Blues head coach Vern Cotter joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.