Weekend Sport with Jason Pine

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.

It’s time for the pre-seasons to begin.  The NRL, AFL, and Super Rugby are all entering their pre-seasons, easing back into their games before the real action begins.  Our coaching guru Wayne Goldsmith joined the show to discuss what teams aim to achieve in their pre-season, and how a successful one can springboard into a successful season.  He says that the aim is to have them “job ready” on the first day of the first round.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Sail GP is making its way to Sydney this weekend.  The Black Foils has a disappointing showing in Auckland, failing to make the final as Australia claimed the victory.  Flight Controller Leo Takahashi joined Piney to discuss their hopes for the weekend.  “There were definitely some points in our game that definitely weren't up to standard that weekend, and I think, y’know, we’ve definitely regrouped and made some solid plans to attack it in Sydney this weekend.”   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Exciting young batsman Sam Konstas has been sent home from the Australian test tour to Sri Lanka.  His absence has raised a few eyebrows over the ditch, and Aussie Correspondent Adam Peacock joined Piney to try make sense of the call.  “It was a tough call, tough selection call,” he told Piney.  “But given the way that we’ve batted on this tour so far, it’s hard to say the selectors have got it wrong.”   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The new Super Rugby season is just around the corner.  New Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley joined Piney to discuss the new season, Fantasy Super Rugby, and the potential of greater player movement.  He told Piney that they view Fantasy Super Rugby as an essential tool to grow engagement with the sport.  “I haven’t seen the numbers but, y’know, we’re expecting a huge number of people to get engaged with it.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for 8th February 2025, Super Rugby season is less than a week away. CEO Jack Mesley joins Piney to discuss the new season, Fantasy Super Rugby, and the potential of greater player movement.  Joe Schmidt has announced he'll be leaving the Wallabies at the end of the Rugby Championship. Former Wallabies coach John Connolly joins the show to weigh up who might be best to fill that void.  And Brian Ashby keeps us up to date with all the action from Coast to Coast.  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.

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for the 2nd of February 2025, Former All Blacks great Sir John Kirwan joined Piney to talk about his departure from Sky. The Six Nations season is well underway - and rugby commentator Martin Gillingham joined Piney to recap this week's highlights. Plus, Canterbury Kings coach Peter Fulton joined Piney ahead of today's Super Smash final. 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.

James McOnie from The Crowd Goes Wild joined Piney to talk about Chris Wood's latest hat-trick, Auckland FC's latest win, the first week of the Six Nations and the Super Bowl. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's Nelson Anniversary Weekend and many in the region will be enjoying the three-day break - but one person's using the holiday for a good cause. Ed Shuttleworth, the CEO of Sport Tasman in Nelson, is on a mission to 210km for 40 hours to raise money for Nelson Tasman Hospice. He joined Piney to discuss his progress. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ireland have kickstarted their bid for a third straight Six Nations crown with a 27-22 win over England spearheaded by two New Zealand-born players. Halfback Jamison Gibson-Park was named man of the match, while James Lowe had a hand in three tries. England led 10-5 at halftime before Ireland caught fire, stretching to 27-10 before a couple of late consolation tries to the visitors. Rugby commentator Martin Gillingham joined Piney to recap the match. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Otago's made a nervous start to their run chase in the T20 Super Smash women's final against Wellington at the Basin Reserve. The Blaze limped to 104 for eight batting first with Felicity Robertson taking three wickets for Otago. In their chase of 105 for the championship, the Sparks were 28 for three after six overs a short time ago with dangerwoman Suzie Bates gone. Canterbury cricket coach Peter Fulton joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Wood has deflected credit for his Premier League goal-scoring heroics. The Kiwi striker's scored a hat-trick in the 7-nil pasting of Brighton, but has praised his team mates for providing the opportunities. In other results - Liverpool's lead on the top rung of the ladder has been extended following a 2-nil win at Bournemouth - Salah with both goals. Forest Focus podcast host Matt Davies joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former All Blacks great Sir John Kirwan has revealed he'll be parting ways with Sky TV. After his time in the black jersey came to an end, he pivoted over to a commentator role with Sky - but his time with the broadcaster has come to an end. He joined Piney to discuss this move. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian Women's cricket team have absolutely dominated England in the Women's Ashes.  They claimed the win 3-0 in the T20s, 3-0 in the ODIs, and they're on the verge of a huge test victory.   Our Australian Correspondent Adam Peacock recaps what has been a fantastic series for Australia.  “These are the type of tours that at the end of it, one team celebrates, and the other one goes home and has an independent review.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. David Edgar is a man of many talents.   He's a Major in the NZ Army and currently Officer Commanding Physical Performance Squadron. He has an extensive background working in Rugby as a S&C Coach with Waikato, Chiefs, Manu Samoa, as well as over in Japan.  He's also an accomplished marathon swimmer and endurance athlete, and will shortly look to complete the NZ marathon swimming Triple Crown by swimming the Foveaux Strait, having already completed the length of Lake Taupo and the Cook Strait.  Plus, he’s also on a mission to conquer the Ocean Seven.  Edgar is doing all of this to help raise awareness for dyslexia and those with learning challenges, and he joined Piney to discuss his achievements.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel Adesanya is returning to the Octagon.  Tomorrow morning will see him clash with Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Fight Night in Saudi Arabia.  It'll be his first fight since August, when he submitted in the fourth round against Dricus Du Plessis.   UFC on Sky's Ravinder Hunia joins Piney to look at Israel's chances of returning to the winners circle.  “I think the pressure of not having to be fighting for a title is a pressure that he'll probably welcome.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Otago Sparks are straight into Sunday's final of the women's Super Smash, winning 7 of their 10 games to secure top spot.  They now await the winner of the elimination final between the Wellington Blaze and the Northern Brave.   Otago Sparks spinner Eden Carson was the top wicket-taker across both the men's and women's Super Smash competitions, and joined Piney to discuss her campaign so far.  “To be able to be consistent throughout the season has gotten us to where we are,” she said.  “We would have liked to have a few more wins, but y’know, 7 out of 10, we’re pretty happy with.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Central Stags have qualified directly for Sunday's Dream 11 Super Smash final.   Jayden Lennox has played a key role in the Stags' run to the final, as he was the side's most economical bowler, while also picking up 9 wickets.  He catches up with Piney to discuss his season as he awaits the results of the elimination final.  “I think we're, we're probably tracking nicely, and we're probably tracking a little bit more confident confidently than we have in the, I suppose, the past couple of years.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for 1st February 2025, Auckland FC's success continues. They’re sitting atop the A-League ladder more than halfway through their debut season, Head Coach Steve Corica joining to discuss their success.  Dame Sophie Pascoe has announced her retirement from competitive swimming, and joined Piney to reflect on her golden career.  And Jayden Lennox from the Central Stags and Eden Carson from Otago Sparks preview the Super Smash final.  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.

Dame Sophie Pascoe has called time on her career.  New Zealand’s most successful Paralympian, Pascoe claimed 19 medals, including 11 golds, throughout her career as a competitive swimmer.   She joined Piney to reflect on her career, and discuss how she arrived at this decision.   “I think it was a pretty natural evolution for me,” Pascoe said.  She said that presenting the Paralympic Games last year helped her decision, as she was still part of the team but in a different capacity.  “I was right where I needed to be, which was to be a mother to my son and to be a wife and just be a family unit, but I also have the opportunity to still have a voice for the Paralympic movements and to showcase our incredible athletes.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland FC has begun their life as a professional football club in the best way possible. More than halfway through the season, the teams its at the top of the A-League table, and talk of going all the way to the end and claiming the win in their first season is getting louder and louder. Head Coach Steve Corica joined Piney to discuss the team's early success, and whether there's any added pressure from the team's incredible start. “We’re in a good position, still a long way to go, but the aim was still to win a trophy,” he said.  “I think, y’know, the players believe they can do it now – took them a little while to start believing that, but y’know, they’re a good team.”   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James McOnie from The Crowd Goes Wild joined Piney to discuss the Australian Open, the Chris Wood saga and the Drua v Los Angeles clash. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.