Weekend Sport with Jason Pine

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

Wellington Blaze skipper Jess Kerr has revealed the secret of the side's winning culture after claiming a third-straight women's Super Smash T20 title in Christchurch. Beating the Auckland Hearts by five wickets with a ball to spare provided a seventh title in the past nine seasons. Kerr joined Piney to discuss the win. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Captain Robbie O'Donnell is relieved the Northern Brave men's cricket team didn't fall at the final hurdle. The Braves have beaten the Canterbury Kings by five wickets in their Super Smash T20 final in Christchurch. O'Donnell joined Piney to discuss yesterday's win. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In-form Auckland FC forward Jesse Randall is on the move after the current season in football's A-League. Scottish Premiership side Dundee United have announced the signing of the 23-year-old on a pre-contract agreement. Former footballer Paul Ifill joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

History is on the line for both the men's singles finalists at the Australian Open tonight. The match between 38-year-old Novak Djokovic and 22-year-old Carlos Alcaraz. Tennis correspondent Dave Worsley joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The tenth edition of the ICC T20 Cricket World Cup is set to kick off next week. The event will run from February 7 to March 8, kicking off with Pakistan taking on the Netherlands. Former NZ Cricket CEO Martin Snedden joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Teenage running star Sam Ruthe says he was racing to win, not break any records at Boston University - but he did just that. The 16-year-old has broken Sir John Walker's 1982 outdoor mile record of 3 minutes and 49 point 8 seconds by two-tenths of a second - running 3 minutes 48 point 88 seconds at the indoor meet. It's the fastest-ever indoor mile by a high school student, and an under 18 World Record for the Mile. He joined Piney to discuss after the fact. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wellington Blaze have made it into the Super Smash Finals.  They’re facing off against the Auckland Hearts tomorrow at Hagley Oval, both teams vying for the crown.  All Rounder Xara Jetley told Piney it’s just another game of cricket, and ultimately, they know how to win.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for 31st January 2026, an incredible night of tennis was served up at Rod Laver Arena last night, with both men’s semi-finals going the distance. Robbie Koenig and Craig Gabriel relived the action from Melbourne Park.  Brad Thorn has released a book on his legendary oval ball career, ‘Champions Do Extra’.   And Piney previews the Super Smash finals, set for later today.  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 enduring two-code careers in Australasian sport belongs to Brad Thorn.  An All Black, Crusader, Highlander, Bronco, Queenslander, and Kangaroo, Thorn has nearly done it all over the span of his 40 year career.  ‘Champions Do Extra’, is Thorn’s memoir, and it delves into his legendary rugby career and the lessons he’s learnt along the way.   He began working on it after he finished up with the Reds.  “I thought, if I’m going to write something, surely I’ve learned something over the last 30 years, y’know, now is the time.”  He was a part of three champion Brisbane Broncos sides and a World Cup winning All Blacks side – an achievement he maintains is the greatest of his career.  “The Grand Final of Grand Finals,” he told Piney.  “Everything was on the line.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The top four men's seeds have played out a pair of epic semifinals at the Australian Tennis Open.  10-time champion Novak Djokovic will meet number one seed Carlos Alcaraz in the decider after both prevailed in five sets.  Djokovic wrapped up his win over second seed and two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner at 1.30am local time, while earlier on, Alcaraz needed five hours and 27 minutes to outlast third seed Alexander Zverev.  Tennis Correspondent Craig Gabriel told Piney it was incredible to see.  After the match Alcaraz says he never gives up, and Gabriel says that was certainly telling in that match.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Novak Djokovic will face Carlos Alcaraz to decide the men's title at the Australian Tennis Open after two marathon five-set semifinals.  10-time champion Djokovic will make his latest bid for a record-setting 25th Grand Slam triumph after downing two-time defending champ Jannik Sinner across four hours and nine minutes.  And top seed Alcaraz’s win came after he outlasted third seed Alexander Zverev over five hours and 27 minutes.  Former player and tennis commentator Robbie Koenig told Piney when compared with the days of elite tennis he’s seen, yesterday sits among the top five.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James McOnie from The Crowd Goes Wild joined Piney to discuss Wayne Smith leaving NZR, Fernando Mendoza, Indiana QB and emerging cricket talent. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for Sunday 25 January. 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.

US sports correspondent Leon Busby joined Piney to discuss the MLB offseason drama, the CFB playoffs recap, and the NFL playoffs. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Well Written won racing fans over at Auckland's Ellerslie with an unexpected victory. Well Written found herself in an awkward spot midfield on the outer rounding the home bend, but found a gap and surged ahead. Horse trainer Stephen Marsh joined Piney to discuss the victory. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

10-time men's champion Novak Djokovic is through to round four at the Australian Tennis Open after a straight sets win in Melbourne. Also advancing in the men's draw on night seven were 12th seed Casper Ruud and ninth seed Taylor Fritz - who ended the Australian Open career of 2014 champion Stan Wawrinka in four sets. In the women's draw - second seed Iga Swiatek and fifth seed Elena Rybakina went through, but two-time champion Naomi Osaka withdrew from her round three match - citing an abdominal injury linked to body changes from her pregnancy. Tennis correspondent Dave Worsley joined Piney to recap the action. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

England suffered a significant defeat in the latest Ashes series, and it's prompted discussion about some changes within the ranks. Brendon McCullum is contracted to the end of the 2027 World Cup, but his future is under extra scrutiny following the loss. Following On podcast host Jon Norman joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones has called on New Zealand Rugby to come clean on the real reason for Scott Robertson's dismissal. Jones believes Razor can't have been let go as All Blacks head coach for on-field results, given his seventy-four per cent success rate. Jones isn't hiding his distaste at the secrecy surrounding Robertson's demise, and he joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Wairarapa-Bush rugby CEO Tony Hargood is currently walking the length of the country to raise awareness and a few dollars for the NZ Rugby Foundation.  The foundation provides holistic support to players whose lives have been changed by serious injury, and while they do run more standard fundraisers, Hargood decided to take a more unique approach.   He’s stopping at every Provincial Union home ground along the way and taking a kick at goal, with a plan to auction those balls off to raise money.   Hargood told Piney there’s probably easier ways to do this, but walking is all part of the fun and the journey.  Follow his journey here. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for 24th January 2026, Gregor Paul and Tony Johnson join Piney to discuss NZ Rugby’s next moves after parting ways with Scott Robertson.  The Australian Open is into its first full weekend. Craig Gabriel gives an update live from Melbourne.  And Finn Allen has had a superb Big Bash season with the Perth Scorchers to date, and he joined Piney to break it down.  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.

Finn Allen has had a superb Big Bash campaign with the Perth Scorchers.  He’s the competition’s second highest run scorer with a total of 430, just three runs behind former Australian opener David Warner.   His form has helped the Scorchers into tomorrow’s Grand Final in Perth and seen him named in the Team of the Tournament.  Allen told Piney it’s nice to see the work he’s been putting in in the lead up to the tournament pan out.  He’s also hit a record number of sixes in the tournament, a feat he wasn’t aiming for, nor was he aware of until he was told.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s been nine days since the biggest sports story in recent history played out, with Scott Robertson departure as All Blacks coach.  Attention has now turned to who will replace him with the team entering a big year and the Rugby World Cup looming on the horizon.  NZ Herald Sports Journalist Gregor Paul and Sky Sport Commentator Tony Johnson joined Piney to discuss what will go down, and who could possibly fill the spot.   Johnson told Piney NZ Rugby would have to select someone with a proven record and strong international credentials, as there’s an element of crisis management to this as well.  “They're just going to have to step into the breach, hit the ground running when it's done, because there's no real honeymoon period this year, is there?”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James McOnie from The Crowd Goes Wild joined Piney to discuss Scott Robertson's dismissal as All Blacks coach, as well as Finn Allen's recent performance. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The newest recruit for the Wellington Phoenix has outlined how he'll help his new side push for playoff football. 30-year-old Norwegian midfielder Sander Kartum has joined on loan from Scottish side Hearts until the end of the A-League season. Kartum joined Piney to discuss further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for Sunday 18 January. 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.

Ten nations have been competing for their spot at the Asia-Oceania qualifiers for this year's Floorball World Championships in Finland. NZ Floorball coach Christian Bertschinger joined Piney to discuss the Kiwi side's odds. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An array of personal bests and maiden titles have been claimed at the Potts Classic athletics event in Hawke's Bay. Sprinters Tiaan Whelpton and Zoe Hobbs took out their respective inaugural NZ Short Track Championships 60m titles. Whelpton joined Piney to discuss after the fact. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The third and final one-day international between the Black Caps and India in Indore is set to take place tonight. The match will take place at 9pm NZT and there's a chance the Kiwi side could make history. Black Caps batsman Daryl Mitchell joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Foils have confirmed they've been deducted three championship points for their weekend-ending crash with Switzerland at the Sail GP season-opening event in Perth. The tail of the Kiwi boat was crunched by the Swiss in the first of four races - ending the opening day for Switzerland and putting the Kiwis out of the regatta entirely. NZ Herald sports reporter Christopher Reive joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand Rugby stunned sports fans across the nation - and beyond - by dismissing Scott Robertson as All Blacks coach last week. The search is on for a replacement, but fans are reacting with surprise following Razor's removal. South African rugby expert Dan Hooton joined Piney to discuss further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More details are emerging about unrest within the All Blacks’ dressing room - and beyond - that ultimately led to Scott Robertson’s exit. Speculation is growing as to what inspired NZR to make this move, as well as who will replace Robertson in the role. Irish rugby correspondent Rúaidhrí O'Connor joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New Zealand track and field circuit kicks off today at the Potts Classic in Hastings.  Among the competitors is heptathlete Briana Stephenson, who starts off a potentially career-defining year today as she lines up for the 60m hurdles.  It follows on from her hitting the Commonwealth Games A standard last weekend in Brisbane.  She told Piney that while Athletics NZ and the NZ Olympic Committee still need to select the teams, she’s in a very good spot at the moment and is pretty confident she’ll be on that plane to Glasgow.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The OFC Pro League bursts into action today with a doubleheader at Eden Park.  There will be another 10 matches at North Harbour Stadium over the next seven days.  It features eight teams from Pacific nations, Australia and New Zealand, and is the first fully professional football league to be established in the Oceania region.   Roy Krishna is preparing to lead Bula FC into the first match, and told Piney it’s a huge moment for the Fijian club.   He says they’ve been waiting for these opportunities and struggling to get in the A-Leagues, so having something in the backyard is a great platform, especially for younger players.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for 17th January 2026, Scott Robertson has been axed as All Blacks Head Coach.  How did we get here? What next for the All Blacks? Is there another saviour? Piney offers his thoughts and discusses it all with the audience. Plus, Liam Napier, Jeff Wilson, and Adam Peacock all chime in on the subject.  Along with this we cover off the ASB Classic final, Aussie Open Tennis, OFC Pro League and the Potts Classic.  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 third youngest finalist in the modern history of the men's ASB Classic wants to put his name alongside the greats.  Czech 20-year-old Jakub Mensik is facing seventh-seed Sebastian Baez in the final.  Only Rafael Nadal and Juan Martin del Potrohave reached the decider at the ASB Classic with fewer days on earth than Mensik.  Former Tennis doubles star and commentator Michael Venus told Piney there’s going to be some really entertaining points scored today.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Robertson’s departure from the All Blacks has come as a huge shock to the rugby world.   He’s been axed halfway into his four-year contract, following feedback in the end of season review, understood to be scathing towards Robertson and his coaching staff.  Our Australian Correspondent Adam Peacock gauges the reaction across the Tasman, and offers his thoughts on whether there’s anyone in particular the All Blacks may be targeting among the Wallabies coaching ranks.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After starting with much fanfare, Scott Robertson's tenure as All Blacks coach has come to an end after just two years.  He's parted ways with New Zealand Rugby after just two years in the job, which began in 2024 against England in Dunedin.  It comes following what is understood to be scathing feedback in the end of season review towards Robertson and his coaching staff.  NZ Herald’s Liam Napier was the one to break the news of the internal review, and he told Piney he understands the dissatisfaction was widespread among the team, not confined to one or two players.   “Some of the most stinging feedback came from a number of senior players, y’know, guys that have played 100 tests, have been around a long time, experienced the highs and lows of test football,” he explained.  “You can have bad years in test rugby, and you can have bad weeks, but I think this had steadily built the frustration over the two-year tenure.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Robertson... gone as All Blacks coach.  The “nuclear option” taken. The slate cleaned. The last two years consigned to history.  Was it the right call to make a change? Yes.  Board chair David Kirk talked about “trajectory” on Thursday. The All Blacks were not heading upwards, they had, at best, plateaued, and were in fact trending dangerously downwards.  We were not more confident about the All Blacks at the end of 2025 than we were at the start of 2024.  The signs of improvement were sporadic at best, overshadowed by doubt and confusion around tactics, around selection, around progress, around potential World Cup success.  That’s the sole filter through which David Kirk and Co. examined things and made their decision.  Were the All Blacks on track? No, they were not. Has Scott Robertson suddenly become a bad rugby coach? No. But he clearly underestimated the enormity of the job and those who put him into the role overestimated his ability to do it.  Razor’s super-power is team culture, which he built superbly at the Crusaders, but consider how different that environment is. You have your players with you every day for six months. If you lose, you go again next week.  And the scrutiny, while certainly robust, pales in comparison to the white-hot spotlight of the All Blacks, which has paralyzed many before him. It’s unforgiving in its intensity, demanding in its 24/7 nature, and relentless in its scrutiny.  Many believe they have what it takes. They go in full of bullishness, bright ideas, bravado, and boldness, only to come to the realisation, either quickly, or over time, that their feet aren’t quite big enough for the enormous boots they’ve been assigned to wear.  And they realise in hindsight, they displayed an obvious naivety about exactly what it is they’d walked into.  There’s a reason this team is talked about in the manner in which it is. This is the All Blacks – there’s a legacy to uphold. A reputation to protect. A history to defend. A responsibility to carry.  Not everyone can do that job – in fact, very few can.  Scott Robertson took it on with every intention of enhancing the All Blacks’ story. Of taking this team to new heights, of winning World Cups.   But not everything you try on is going to fit, and sometimes it’s better to find that out quickly so that you and your employer can move on.  And that is now the question for the All Blacks. Move on... to what?  Or more correctly, to who?  Who has the tools, the knowledge, the fortitude and the resilience to take the job on and make a success of it? Not just a few years down the track, but almost immediately?  There’s no settling-in period, no gentle launch, no soft landing. There’s a World Cup next year and the most gruelling All Blacks schedule ever in the next 10 months.  Being able to coach scrums, line outs and back line moves is no longer enough, nowhere near enough for the enormous scope and complexity of this modern-day role.   Among other things, you need international experience, the ability to assemble an effective support staff, the man management skills to keep the best players in the country happy even when they're not playing every game.   And the charisma and communication skills to front the players, Super Rugby coaches, your bosses at New Zealand Rugby, the board, sponsors, the media and rugby fans.  Who will come forward with the same bravery, the same courage in their convictions, the same confidence in their CV, and do what their predecessor could not?  As the All Blacks often say, who will walk towards the pressure? And shine in its spotlight, rather than shrinking into the shadows?  Who will accept this poisoned chalice and attempt to make it their holy grail?  After what we’ve seen this week, who would want to? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former All Black and current Sky Sport pundit Jeff Wilson believes Jamie Joseph is the obvious candidate with the credentials to lead the team towards the Rugby World Cup.  The search for a new All Blacks coach is underway after Scott Roberson was sensationally relieved of his duties two years into a four-year contract, after a scathing review found multiple frailties within the team and reports of player unrest.  Joseph is set to coach the Highlanders in the upcoming Super Rugby Pacific season, with their pre-season game scheduled for January 30, and if he does get the role, it is unclear how it would impact his duties with the Dunedin-based franchise.  There is something similar over in Australia with Les Kiss to coach the Reds before replacing Joe Schmidt as Wallabies coach, but with the All Blacks set to tour South Africa this year, NZR might want Joseph earlier to ensure the team is best prepared.  Several other names have been suggested including Dave Rennie and Robbie Deans, while some have suggested they bring back Sir Steve Hansen.  Speaking on Newstalk ZB’s Weekend Sport, Wilson feels Joseph is the perfect candidate, given his track record at club, leading the Highlanders to Super Rugby glory in 2015, along with his time internationally with Japan and more recently the All Blacks XV.  “There are very few candidates who are immediately available and qualified to take the job,” Wilson said.  “Jamie’s record as an international coach, his experience, and his understanding of New Zealand Rugby and the international game really stand out.  Sky rugby commentator and former All Black Jeff Wilson.  “The key for me is whether he can put together the team he wants, the coaches he believes in, and that may include some of the current coaches.  “Joe Schmidt is committed to Australia until the middle of the year, and other coaches around the world are tied up contractually.  “For me, the logical choice is Jamie Joseph. He went head‑to‑head with Scott Robertson last time and, to my understanding, came close. Jamie Joseph is the obvious man.”  As things stand, Robertson’s assistants including Scott Hansen, Jason Ryan and Tamiti Ellison remain employed, however there is a chance the incoming coach will want his own coaching staff, meaning all their futures are up in the air.  If Joseph is to get the job, he would likely want Tony Brown to be his right-hand man, although that will be challenging with the former All Blacks playmaker currently working as an assistant with the Springboks as their attack coach.  While Wilson feels the decision to axe Robertson was harsh, he says the right call was ultimately made after a messy two years at the helm.  That includes seeing two assistants depart including Leon MacDonald and Jason Holland, while several changes have happened behind the scenes including Mark Robinson stepping down from his role as NZR chief executive.  “He deserves a lot of credit, because there were plenty of challenges along the way, but over the last couple of years this team never really gained any momentum,” Wilson said.  “There were performances that raised doubts about the direction the team was heading, and there was certainly uncertainty within the group. They looked unsettled and didn’t play with consistent confidence, so unfortunately a lot of that responsibility falls on the head coach.  “He’s not a bad rugby coach, it just hasn’t worked with this group of people and this team of players, and it was time to look forward with somebody else.”  Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for Sunday 11 January. 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.

International sports coaching expert and author Wayne Goldsmith joined Jason Pine to give advice on keeping New Years resolutions... if you haven't already broken them.  Goldsmith said, "I think way too many people are looking for a magic key or a secret trick or a poster or something that's going to change and revolutionise their life instead of just saying, 'nah, let's get going'." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In October 2025 Karl Budge was appointed as the new Blues CEO.  Budge has previously served as the CEO of the ASB Classic, and been involved in the New Zealand Olympic Committee, SailGP, and the New Zealand Rugby Board.  He joined Jason Pine to chat about plans and strategies for the Blues in 2026.  On his relationship with other Rugby Union CEO's Budge said, "there's 80% that we get on like a house on fire, and want to collaborate and work together, and then there's 20% that we want to flog each other - and I quite like that dynamic." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Busy times ahead for the Black Caps.   They're preparing for their three-match ODI series against India, followed by the five-match T20 series that serves as ideal preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup.  The squad features several new faces, including debutants Jaden Lennox and Christian Clarke, and is captained by Michael Bracewell.  The first test is taking place at India's Kotambi Stadium – a 40,000 seat stadium that reportedly sold out within minutes of the game being announced.  Bracewell told Piney it’s going to be a pretty exciting opportunity to play in front of 40,000 fans, and perhaps a new one for some of the guys in the squad.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for 10th of January 2026, New Zealand’s community sport clubs may be in trouble. Gordon Noble-Campbell broke down the Incorporated Societies Act, and Gary Moller delved into the slow demise of physical clubs.   Bill Tuiloma has signed a two and a half year deal with the Wellington Phoenix, joining Piney to talk about it and the upcoming FIFA World Cup.  And the Black Caps are preparing for their three-match ODI series against India – Captain Michael Bracewell joining Piney to discuss their goals for the series.   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.

A decisive Ashes victory for Australia.  They crushed England 4-1, clinching the final test in the series by five wickets.   Australia were spurred to the win by an incredible series from middle order-turned opening batsman Travis Head, and the ageless Michell Starc.  Our Australian Correspondent Adam Peacock joined Piney to recap the series.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wellington Phoenix have confirmed the signing of All Whites defender Bill Tuiloma on a two-and-a-half year deal.  It's a long-awaited homecoming for the 30 year old, who has played more than 200 professional matches in France and the United States.  Tuiloma will have to wait for the A-League's mid-season registration window to open next Wednesday before he is able to make his club debut.  He told Piney he’s excited to get on the pitch and hopefully perform for the team.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Top seed Elina Svitolina has come through another stern test of her credentials at tennis' ASB Classic.  She's through to the semifinals after battling for more than two-an-a-half hours with British world number 68 Sonay Kartel to claim a 6-4 6-7 7-6 victory.  She’ll face third seed Eva Jovic tonight, while Alexandra Eala takes on China’s Wang Xinyu in the other semifinal.   Sky Sport Tennis Analyst Sebastian Lavie told Piney Svitolina isn’t number 13 in the world for nothing.  He says Kartel did have a few opportunities in the match, but overall Svitolina came out and played very clutch towards the end.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand’s community sport organisations and physical clubs seem to be on their way out.   Fewer people are getting involved, and more and more clubs, courts, and spaces are closing down or deteriorating.   Gary Moller has been an active member of community clubs for over 15 years, and joined Piney for a chat about the risks community organisations face, including hostile takeovers by outsiders seeking land and assets, and the reasons behind the slow decay.   He told Piney that social media, the internet, and even Covid are to blame, keeping people indoors and prioritising long distance connection over in person.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand’s sports clubs are facing a critical deadline.   By the 5th of April, 2026, all incorporated community sport organisations must re-register under the Incorporated Societies Act 2022.  Less than half the country’s 7,000 clubs have registered so far, and failure to do so will result in voluntary dissolution. Chair of the Amateur Sports Association, Gordon Noble-Campbell told Piney the first thing clubs should do is advise their members of the situation, and see what resources and assistance they have available.   He says it can be a tricky process, but if needed, the Amateur Sporting Association is always available and happy to offer input or information.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.