![620x1 pixel white space](http://web.archive.org./web/20170912033554im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/9/k/g/1/f/image.imgtype.Defcon.620x0.png/1476929769817.jpg)
McIlroy big for Buller
![Blair McIlroy (right) is the type of player every Heartland province wants.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170912033554im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/l/k/s/k/q/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1lkoxe.png/1505186679722.jpg)
Buller's Blair McIlroy is one of most dedicated rugby players in the Heartland Championships, on and off the field.
Crusaders sign Ennor
![Canterbury wing Braydon Ennor breaks out against the Magpies in Napier in round three of the Mitre 10 Cup.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170912033554im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/l/f/5/p/8/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1llpqf.png/1505184365211.jpg)
He's only played three Mitre 10 Cup games, but Canterbury utility Braydon Ennor has secured a Super Rugby contract.
Danke thanks Martins with another win
![Murphy the Shetland pony checks out his paddock buddy and race day travel mate Danke and Geoff Martin.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170912033554im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/l/l/v/7/j/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1llhgf.png/1505183951600.jpg)
New Zealand's busiest racehorse thrives on his hectic schedule.
Pulu, Tupou back for Counties
![Augustine Pulu will be a key factor for Counties in Wednesday night's Ranfurly Shield challenge.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170912033554im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/l/l/w/9/l/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1llxea.png/1505183572026.jpg)
Two of the Steelers' key players are back in time to take on Canterbury for the Shield.
Silver Ferns relishing English challenge
![Silver Ferns shooter Bailey Mes says they need a good start in their series decider against England.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170912033554im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/l/l/u/l/i/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1lkvbt.png/1505184692724.jpg)
England have proven to be a stronger challenge for the Silver Ferns than many expected, but the team is embracing it as a positive.
Nyika reveals split with coach
![Kiwi boxer David Nyika, in blue, fighting Evgeny Tishchenko at the AIBA world championships in Hamburg.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170912033554im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/l/l/p/1/0/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1lllwa.png/1505181577603.jpg)
Kiwi boxer left training alone in car parks prior to AIBA world championships after parting ways with long-time coach.
Gallen wants all or nothing
![Paul Gallen of the Sharks looks dejected after losing their NRL elimination final against the Cowboys.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170912033554im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/l/k/l/a/2/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1lltup.png/1505179260066.jpg)
Paul Gallen calls for the NRL to revert back to using bunker to make calls on general play.
Smooth start for Abercrombie
![Tom Abercrombie was the most consistent Breaker at the pre-season tournament in Victoria.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170912033554im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/l/l/p/0/v/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1llpyo.png/1505177623074.jpg)
After putting on some muscle in the off-season, the Breakers' star small forward measured up at the Blitz in Victoria.
Canes' crowds up 20 per cent
![The right team won the Super Rugby title this year, but it was a close run thing.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170912033554im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/l/l/p/4/m/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1llmkx.png/1505176696765.jpg)
Super Rugby is making a shift back to the halcyon days of 20 years ago.
Calling out Rogan's haka hate
![Watch: 'You f****** dummies' – Fear Factor host Joe Rogan slams Tall Blacks' haka](http://web.archive.org./web/20170912033554im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/l/l/4/x/8/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1ll85d.png/1505141564817.jpg)
OPINION: A Māori honour thrown back in the Tall Blacks' faces by Fear Factor host can't go unchallenged.
Plenty for Hansen to mull
OPINION: Questions keep coming as All Blacks' imperfections dog them in 2017, writes Richard Knowler.
Rugby's burning questions
![Beauden Barrett missed three conversions in the All Blacks' 37-22 victory over Argentina in New Plymouth last weekend.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170912033554im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/l/l/p/1/7/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1llksz.11ik9e.png/1505176381193.jpg)
Here come the resurgent Springboks, a side that could manage just four wins from 12 tests in 2016. What do the All Blacks have to do to beat them?
Pulu, Tupou back for Counties
![Augustine Pulu will be a key factor for Counties in Wednesday night's Ranfurly Shield challenge.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170912033554im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/l/l/w/9/l/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1llxea.11ik9e.png/1505183572026.jpg)
Two of the Steelers' key players are back in time to take on Canterbury for the Shield.
Crusaders sign Ennor
![Canterbury wing Braydon Ennor breaks out against the Magpies in Napier in round three of the Mitre 10 Cup.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170912033554im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/l/f/5/p/8/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1llpqf.11ik9e.png/1505184365211.jpg)
He's only played three Mitre 10 Cup games, but Canterbury utility Braydon Ennor has secured a Super Rugby contract.
Top AB props gone
![Serious injuries to Joe Moody (left) and Owen Franks will force the All Blacks selectors to trust the next tier of props ...](http://web.archive.org./web/20170912033554im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/l/l/6/3/e/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1ll76l.11ik9e.png/1505105726072.jpg)
Between them Owen Franks and Joe Moody have played 130 tests. Injuries will prevent them earning any more this year.
Du Plessis to captain in all formats
![South Africa's Faf du Plessis has taken over the captaincy in all three formats.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170912033554im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/l/l/e/n/1/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1llfpe.png/1505155589559.jpg)
Faf du Plessis has been appointed as South Africa's one-day captain.
Bond England's Ashes weapon
![Shane Bond will coach Matt Henry, left, with the New Zealand A team in India this month but England are reportedly ...](http://web.archive.org./web/20170912033554im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/l/k/r/b/m/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1lkrmj.png/1505112047894.jpg)
A short-term deal to coach England's bowlers in the Ashes looks too good for Shane Bond to refuse.
Northern Districts reveal new boss
![New Northern Districts chief executive Ben MacCormack.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170912033554im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/l/l/8/y/f/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1ll963.png/1505105303186.jpg)
Northern Districts Cricket name Ben MacCormack as their new chief executive.
World XI arrives in Pakistan
![Former Black Caps all-rounder Grant Elliott plies his trade on the world T20 circuit after retiring from international ...](http://web.archive.org./web/20170912033554im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/9/e/1/n/a/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1lksnl.png/1505084059318.jpg)
Kiwi cricketer Grant Elliott among the players to touch down in Lahore for the upcoming T20 series.
Parker vows to smash Fury
Kiwi heavyweight claims he's in the best shape of his life and wants to "punish" Fury in the WBO title defence.
World Cup hacking worries
![England's Raheem Sterling gets a word of advice from manager Gareth Southgate during training.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170912033554im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/l/l/k/b/e/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1llkiw.png/1505169109737.jpg)
England ban players and staff from using public wi-fi networks and ask Fifa for cyber security at World Cup in Russia.
Manager sacked after four EPL games
![Crystal Palace manager Frank de Boer lasted just 77 days in the job.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170912033554im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/l/l/e/m/z/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1llfnf.png/1505162641731.jpg)
Crystal Palace's Frank de Boer axed after losing to Chris Wood's Burnley with Roy Hodgson set to replace him.
New recruits bring more competition
![The arrivals of Cory Chettleburgh, pictured, and Brian Kaltack should provide more competition in the Tasman United squad.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170912033554im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/l/b/i/c/i/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1ljigy.png/1505171721362.jpg)
Cory Chettleburgh and Brian Kaltack add more depth to Tasman United squad.
Wood winner 'great finish'
![Chris Wood celebrates scoring the early goal for Burnley.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170912033554im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/l/k/m/k/h/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1lkmjp.png/1505077679783.jpg)
All Whites star scores the match-winning goal just three minutes into his EPL home debut for Burnley.
Gallen wants all or nothing
![Paul Gallen of the Sharks looks dejected after losing their NRL elimination final against the Cowboys.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170912033554im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/l/k/l/a/2/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1lltup.png/1505179260066.jpg)
Paul Gallen calls for the NRL to revert back to using bunker to make calls on general play.
NZ winger set to miss World Cup
![Jordan Kahu is likely to need surgery on his groin at the end of the NRL season.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170912033554im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/l/l/h/h/2/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1llhnj.png/1505165313043.jpg)
Jordan Kahu's end of season surgery is likely to rule him out of the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.
'Grow up' coaches told
![NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg says coaches have to stop blaming referees.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170912033554im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/l/l/b/j/4/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1llboa.png/1505110863835.jpg)
Coaches Flanagan and Barrett to get breach notices for blasting referees, as NRL chief says it's time to stop blaming officials.
Greymouth's Griffin now a Knight
![Melbourne Storm utility Slade Griffin is set to join the Newcastle Knights for two years.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170912033554im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/l/l/3/y/8/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1ll471.png/1505101373240.jpg)
From one coal capital to another - Greymouth rugby league product off to Newcastle.
Smooth start for Abercrombie
![Tom Abercrombie was the most consistent Breaker at the pre-season tournament in Victoria.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170912033554im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/l/l/p/0/v/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1llpyo.png/1505177623074.jpg)
After putting on some muscle in the off-season, the Breakers' star small forward measured up at the Blitz in Victoria.
Breakers go 2-1 in Australia
![Tom Abercrombie concluded an excellent Blitz for the Breakers with 15 points in Sunday's victory over Adelaide.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170912033554im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/l/g/y/4/g/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1lkcl0.png/1505025053178.jpg)
Paul Henare's men rounded out their ANBL pre-season tournament in Victoria with a victory over the Adelaide 36ers.
Tayla's nod to mum Tania Dalton
![*](http://web.archive.org./web/20170912033554im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/l/k/b/m/9/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1lk99o.png/1504992825171.jpg)
Former Silver Fern inspiring from above as her teen daughter stamps her mark on schools basketball in Auckland.
Webster to play in Germany
![Tai Webster is looking to make his mark in Europe after a standout final season of college hoops.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170912033554im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/h/m/z/i/h/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1lk3kv.png/1504915084639.jpg)
Young Tall Blacks standout Tai Webster is taking his talents to Germany for his first pro hoops gig.
Airport eyes golf club land grab
![Residents' representatives Glenn Kingston, left, and Robin Boldarin with Wellington Airport and the neighbouring Miramar ...](http://web.archive.org./web/20170912033554im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/l/l/6/3/7/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1lkpj4.png/1505121937852.jpg)
Expansion plans could see Wellington's Miramar club lose nine of its 18 holes.
Anzac spirit in Masters chase
![On his first trip to New Zealand, a beanie was mandatory for Australia's top-ranked amateur Travis Smyth as he got ...](http://web.archive.org./web/20170912033554im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/l/l/3/e/z/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1ll3gg.png/1505108697927.jpg)
A golden ticket to Augusta and Carnoustie beckons for 10 New Zealanders and six Australians at Royal Wellington.
Resurgent Ko falls just short
![Kiwi golfer Lydia Ko finished second at the Indy Women in Tech Championship.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170912033554im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/l/k/0/n/e/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1lkbap.png/1504989077019.jpg)
Kiwi golfer's rotten run at an end, but victory remains elusive as Lexi Thompson steps up in Indianapolis.
Recap: Lydia Ko final round
![Kiwi golfer Lydia Ko held a share of the lead at the Indianapolis Tech Championship heading in to the final round.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170912033554im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/l/k/0/n/e/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1lk8qy.png/1504988595802.jpg)
Resurgent Kiwi golf star plays the final round of the Indianapolis Tech Championship on the LPGA Tour.
Silver Ferns relishing English challenge
![Silver Ferns shooter Bailey Mes says they need a good start in their series decider against England.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170912033554im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/l/l/u/l/i/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1lkvbt.png/1505184692724.jpg)
England have proven to be a stronger challenge for the Silver Ferns than many expected, but the team is embracing it as a positive.
Wilkins: Males tough to combat
![Former Silver Ferns shooter Donna Wilkins.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170912033554im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/l/l/o/8/t/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1llojq.png/1505172838869.jpg)
"It's a lot more aerial than what it is in the female game. It's a completely different style....''
Strong end to dominant season
![Lincoln Netball Club's Senior A Team celebrate their third perfect season and fifth trophy win.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170912033554im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/l/k/q/d/i/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1lkqgx.png/1505102767178.jpg)
Lincoln Netball Club's (LNC) Senior A Team finished an unbeaten season on a high note, taking home the Selwyn Netball Finals trophy for the fifth time on Saturday.
England may have found key to beating NZ
![The England defence of Ama Agbeze, right, and Geva Mentor, centre right, did a number on the Silver Ferns shooters in ...](http://web.archive.org./web/20170912033554im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/l/k/u/x/r/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1lkthc.png/1505094324288.jpg)
There's a real confidence in the England camp after beating the Silver Ferns.
Nadal wins third US Open title
![Tennis world No 1 Rafael Nadal celebrates winning the US Open, his third title in New York and 16th grand slam overall.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170912033554im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/l/k/t/c/d/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1lkt03.png/1505087504626.jpg)
World No 1 puts on an emphatic show of tennis mastery to win his 16th major title in straight sets.
Recap: Nadal wins US Open
![Tennis world No 1 Rafael Nadal faces South African Kevin Anderson in the final of the US Open.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170912033554im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/l/k/d/f/a/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1lkdmv.png/1505085071951.jpg)
Tennis world No 1 takes care of business in New York with a straight sets win to be crowned US Open champ.
Venus pipped in US Open final
![Michael Venus with playing partner Hao-Ching Chan of Taiwan with the US Open mixed doubles runners-up trophy.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170912033554im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/l/k/e/b/f/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1lkevh.png/1505006873646.jpg)
Big payday for Kiwi tennis ace despite losing to former world champion's tem.
Nyika reveals split with coach
![Kiwi boxer David Nyika, in blue, fighting Evgeny Tishchenko at the AIBA world championships in Hamburg.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170912033554im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/l/l/p/1/0/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1lllwa.png/1505181577603.jpg)
Kiwi boxer left training alone in car parks prior to AIBA world championships after parting ways with long-time coach.
LA cleared for 2028 Olympics
![Los Angeles is set to host another Olympic Games in 2028.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170912033554im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/0/0/o/6/9/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1lllgh.png/1505174997828.jpg)
IOC's evaluation commission gives Los Angeles the thumbs up - and billions of dollars.
Haye urges Parker to stay patient
![WBO world heavyweight champion Joseph Parker with British boxing star David Haye.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170912033554im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/l/l/e/n/2/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1llfpx.png/1505163290438.jpg)
British boxing star David Haye says Parker needs to keep a cool head against awkward Hughie Fury and mustn't get frustrated.
Marquez wins with last lap pass
![Marc Marquez shares the lead in MotoGP after winning the San Marino Grand Prix.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170912033554im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/l/k/n/l/t/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1lknez.png/1505074166158.jpg)
MotoGP standings all tied up at the top as Marc Marquez wins a soaking San Marino Grand Prix.
McLaughlin banks on fast Frenchman
![Kiwis Fabian Coulthard and Scott McLaughlin have got on well in the same team this season.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170912033554im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/l/h/k/w/g/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1lhq19.png/1504952795922.jpg)
The Supercars season heats up from next weekend when the endurance rounds begin at Sandown.
Pitstop Diary: 'No need for Paddon panic'
![Hayden Paddon has been dropped for the Rally of Spain.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170912033554im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/k/w/r/e/m/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1lifq0.png/1504746599307.jpg)
OPINION: Hayden Paddon remains a class act despite WRC Spain benching, writes Benjamin Carrell.
Paddon: We will not give up
![The 2017 WRC season has been a largely frustrating one for Hayden Paddon.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170912033554im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/l/2/b/u/q/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1lh5h7.png/1504681564279.jpg)
Kiwi rally driver Hayden Paddon speaks out after 'poor year' leads to demotion.
Irving praises 'awesome' LeBron
![Celtics new boys Kyrie Irving #11 and Gordon Hayward #20 are introduced in Boston.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170912033554im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/l/e/u/c/0/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1lev18.png/1504305055499.jpg)
Former Cavaliers guard offers some kind words as he puts to bed speculation on why he traded to the Celtics.
No love for LeBron in Kyrie farewell
![Kyrie Irving is on his way to the Boston Celtics, our from under the shadow cast by LeBron James.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170912033554im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/l/e/a/o/2/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1leact.png/1504229693678.jpg)
NBA star Kyrie Irving's trade to Celtics from Cleveland is finalised.
Bartender fakes his way to ringside
![Oliver Regis was unhappy with his seat, so he posed as a member of Mayweather's team.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170912033554im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/l/b/6/d/3/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1lb8iw.png/1503964683176.jpg)
UK boxing fan poses as Mayweather security to bluff his way to the third row, and a mad run of celebrity selfies.
$1.2m bet on Mayweather
![Floyd Mayweather shadow boxes with weights at a Las Vegas training session.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170912033554im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/l/6/c/1/9/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1l6bq3.png/1503368828242.jpg)
The big money is on the boxer, but the majority of bets are on UFC star Conor McGregor.