RNZ: Extra Time

Athletes and social media. It's a combination giving sports fans increasingly more access to - and information about - the world's best sports people. It's also a combination that comes with pitfalls - as England cricketer Ollie Robinson has very acutely discovered. Robinson has been suspended from the England team - and an investigation is underway - after the revelation of racists and sexist tweets he made eight years ago. Join RNZ Sport's Clay Wilson on Extra Time as he's joined by Stuff sport's Zoe George and RNZ sport columnist Hamish Bidwell to discuss the situation, the punishment and the lessons for sportspeople when it comes to social media. We also get the thoughts of AUT senior marketing lecturer Dr Jessica Vredenburg. Plus we hear from rowing great Mahe Drysdale about his retirement from the sport.  

Naomi Osaka's announcement that she wouldn't be talking to the media and subsequent withdrawal from the French Open tennis tournament gained plenty of reaction around the world.

Winter might be closing in, but Kiwi cricket fans are just getting warmed up ahead of a big few weeks for the Black Caps. After a two-month hiatus, the New Zealand team has headed to England for two tests against England, and the much-anticipated World Test Championship final against India. Join RNZ Sport's Clay Wilson on Extra Time as he chats to former Black Cap Peter McGlashan, current White Fern Suzie Bates and Stuff senior cricket writer Mark Geenty about the Black Caps' prospects. Plus we hear from Kiwi flyer Scott McLaughlin ahead of the Indy 500, Kiwi Ferns captain Krystal Rota and diver Anton Down-Jenkins.

The issue of concussion in sport has been ever-present in recent years. And with the spotlight continuing to shine, codes in New Zealand and Australia are ramping up efforts to improve the identification and management of impact-related head injuries. Rugby's latest move involves the trial of a Virtual Reality eye-tracking test in the new trans-Tasman competition. Join RNZ sports reporter Clay Wilson on Extra Time as heââ'¬â"¢s joined by New Zealand Rugby medical manager Karen Rasmussen, and specialist emergency physician and match day doctor Dr John Bonning to discuss the trial, and the other latest developments involving concussion. Plus we catch up with the Black Ferns sevens, swimming star Lewis Clareburt and para shot putter Lisa Adams.

Side line violence and abuse continues on New Zealand's sporting fields and it appears there is nothing in place to stop it. A violent confrontation after a premier club rugby game in Wellington is the latest incident emphasising the bad behaviour of some supporters. Extra Time discusses the issue of clubs and teams taking responsibility for the actions of those playing and watching. The New Zealand Rugby Players Association has come up with an alternative plan to the proposed sale of part of New Zealand Rugby commercial arm to a foreign investor, but is the game's governing body interested. And more and more of our top women's sports stars are suffering from mental fatigue and are taking time away from their sport.... are they getting the necessary support. Join Barry Guy on RNZ Sport's Extra Time and hear from a former rugby referee about abuse in sport, World Cup winning captain David Kirk on giving New Zealanders the chance to invest in the game and Black Fern Kendra Cocksedge on why she might not make it through to the next World Cup.

In Extra Time this week - there's a dire warning that if the Tokyo Olympics go ahead people will die. A top epidemiologist is urging the International Olympic Committee it's not too late to call the Games off while we hear from Olympic silver medallist Sarah Walker on why the Games must go ahead. And can the Chiefs topple the Crusaders in the Super Rugby Aotearoa final? Join Stephen Hewson on RNZ's Extra Time - in association with Stuff and LockerRoom

In Extra Time this week - New Zealand Rugby's provinces may have given the green light to the Silver Lake proposal to buy into the game here....but a deal remains a long way off due to the stand off with the Players Association. On the field ...women's rugby moves to another level this weekend with the first women's Super Rugby match between the Blues and Chiefs but how far off is a fully fledged women's competition? And we talk to Joseph Parker ahead ahead of what shapes as a make-or-break fight for his professional career.

In Extra Time this week with Stephen Hewson... D-day looms for New Zealand Rugby and their deal with US tech giant Silver Lake - will it be the golden goose the sport has been hunting? Has the balance of power shifted in the ANZ netball premiership after a topsy-turvey opening round? We head to Bermuda to talk to America's Cup winner Peter Burling as he heads back out on the water for the opening race in the Sail GP series. And Gymnastics coaches are feeling battered and bruised in the wake of the review into the sport.

Is 2021 the year the Mainland Tactix finally get to lift netball’s ANZ Premiership trophy? This week on RNZ’s Extra Time, Bridget Tunnicliffe puts the question to LockerRoom's Suzanne McFadden, Stuff's Brendan Egan, and former Silver Fern Katrina Rore. We discuss whether off-season signings at the Northern Stars have put them in with a shot and how will the defending champion Pulse go after a number of changes to the side. Also, what impact will Australian Diamonds shooter Caitlin Bassett have at the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic? Later we look at the long-awaited inclusion of Pacific Island teams in Super Rugby and we hear from a leading psychologist about New Zealand's top athletes seeking psychological support in record numbers.

Are sports journalists in New Zealand too worried about staying onside with high-profile sports people? This week on RNZs Extra Time, Bridget Tunnicliffe poses the question to Stuff sports journalist Paul Cully, sports commentator Hamish Bidwell and RNZ sports reporter Joe Porter. We discuss the relationship between the media and well known sportspeople in New Zealand in light of a Stuff article that heard from the neighbours of one-test All Black Josh Ioane. Residents said the Dunedin property of Ioane had turned into a notorious "party house" where noisy, alcohol-fuelled gatherings frequently happened at weekends. The story came after the news that Ioane and five other players were stood down by the Highlanders after they went drinking following their round five loss to the Hurricanes. But some people didn't like the story including Hurricanes captain Ardie Savea. How should sports journalists approach reporting when it emerges that elite athletes have been behaving badly? Also, this week we hear from Australian cricket great Joanne Broadbent, who now coaches the Northern Districts, about the gulf between Australia and New Zealand in the women's game.

New Zealand Rugby and the players association are at loggerheads over the pending agreement with US investment firm Silver Lake. NZ Rugby says the potential $465 million deal is transformational while the players are concerned about potential cultural misappropriation.

High Performance Sport New Zealand have a new strategy, which focuses less on winning and more on athlete welfare. That's in response to several national sporting organisations being accused of mistreating athletes. Allegations of bullying, fat shaming and abuse forced several organisations to undergo both internal and external reviews of their protocols and policies around athlete wellbeing and high performance. Join RNZ's Joe Porter on Extra Time as we speak to High Performance Sport NZ's chief executive Michael Scott, the Athletes Federation's Roger Mortimer and Waikato club and New Zealand youth rowing coach Hannah Starnes, to discuss the shift in strategy. Will it work? How will athlete welfare be monitored? Will it affect performance? We also hear about the pressures athletes face from a high profile sportswoman who retired from top flight sport last week and the government is being urged to make Covid-19 vaccination compulsory for all NZ athletes going to this year's Tokyo Olympics.

Well the America's Cup is finally done and dusted and Team New Zealand and Te Rehutai have successfully defended the Auld Mug. So just why were Team New Zealand were so good - and where to now for the event? Join RNZ sports reporter Clay Wilson on Extra Time as he's joined by Stuff's America's Cup reporter Todd Niall, LockerRoom's Suzanne McFadden and sailing journalist Sarah Ell to dissect all the big talking points. Plus we catch up teenage snow sports star Nico Porteous, who tells us about a busy six weeks in which he's won X-Games gold, broken his foot skateboarding, and comeback to be crowned a world champion.

They've been there before and they know what to expect, but how will the Warriors cope with another NRL season based in Australia. Many players struggled without their families in 2020, it cost coach Stephen Kearney his job and they finished tenth. New coach Nathan Brown has bolstered his squad but the club's coffers certainly won't be bolstered by another year with no home games. Join Barry Guy on Extra Time as he and Hamish Bidwell are joined by former Warriors coach Frank Endacott to discuss the clubs prospects. Former cricket international Peter McGlashan also has his thoughts on the Blacks Caps in 2021, their pending World Test Championship Final and the desire to be among those to be vaccinated first. Extra Time is brought to you by RNZ, Stuff and LockerRoom.

In Extra Time this week - Bridget Tunnicliffe asks at what cost has the postponement of the women's Rugby World Cup come to the sport domestically and internationally? Can the Silver Ferns end a nine year drought without netball's Constellation Cup? And we preview Israel Adesanya's bid to join an exclusive UFC club in Las Vegas this weekend.

The Black Caps have drawn first blood in their T20 series against Australia, but does the five-match contest mean anything for New Zealand fans or for the Black Caps chances at this year's World Cup? In contrast the White Ferns have a battle on their hands to fight their way back into their one-day series against England after a heavy defeat in the opening game, can the New Zealand women compete with the World Champions or is the gap to the likes of England and Australia growing bigger? Super Rugby Aotearoa kicks off this weekend, can anyone stop the Crusaders from marching to a fifth straight title? And Joseph Parker gets back in the boxing ring with Junior Fa, what implications would a win or loss have for both fighters? Join Joe Porter on RNZ's Extra Time as we discuss the sporting week with sports writer Hamish Bidwell and journalists Barry Guy and Felicity Reid.

After days of back and forth between race organisers and the Challengers of Record, Luna Rossa, the America's Cup Challenger Selection Series final resumes this weekend. Luna Rossa lead the series 4-nil over Team UK and just need three more wins to get through to the America's Cup racing against Team New Zealand. RNZ’s Extra Time looks at this and whether the temporary halt to racing as a result of Covid-19 could prove to be a Godsend for Team UK. Joining Bridget Tunnicliffe on Extra Time are RNZ sports reporters Felicity Reid and Joe Porter and veteran sports broadcaster Bryan Waddle. The panel also discusses cricket, which comes back into focus next week. Can the White Ferns overcome current one-day world champions England on home soil? And are the Black Caps in a prime position to get a series win over their Australian rivals?

RNZ's Extra Time looks at the report into gymnastics in New Zealand which identified a culture of fear and retribution and led to the national body apologising to anyone who's been harmed as a result. Abusive coaches, body image issues, and children left in tears, were among the findings of the report into the culture of the sport - reiterating concerns raised in the media last year. Joining Bridget Tunnicliffe on RNZ's Extra Time this week to discuss the report are RNZ sports journalist Felicity Reid and Stuffs Zoe George. We also run the rule over experimental laws being introduced when Super Rugby Aotearoa kicks off at the end of the month. And it's game set match for Karl Budge, the outgoing tournament director of the ASB Tennis Classic.

After years of speculation about a potential code switch Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has confirmed he is leaving the Warriors and heading to rugby. This season will be the 27 year old's last at the Warriors as he chases his boyhood dream of making the All Blacks and playing at the 2023 World Cup. The panel discusses whether he can crack it in rugby and where it leaves the Warriors. Also on RNZs Extra Time this week, we ask if cricket has a problem with racism in the wake of two incidents in Wellington and Hawkes Bay. Sports journalist Hamish Bidwell gives an insight into how brutal premier cricket can be. And snowboarder Zoi Sadowski Synott tells us about the tricks that led to her recent success at the X Games in Colorado and what's in store for 2021. Also joining Bridget Tunnicliffe on Extra Time, is RNZ sports reporter Joe Porter and LockerRoom's Ashley Stanley.

The new sporting year is very much underway here in NZ, headlined for many by the America's Cup Challenger Series out on Auckland's Hauraki Gulf.

In the final Extra Time of 2020 - RNZ Sports Editor Stephen Hewson and the team look back on the good, the bad and the ugly of 2020. Joining us on Extra Time are All Blacks captain Sam Cane, Silver Ferns coach Noeline Taurua and Black Caps coach Gary Stead who offer their thoughts on the year past. And we look forward to 2021 and ponder just what it might entail - glass half full or half empty? Take a Listen!

After months of battles off the water, the four teams taking part in the looming America's Cup have finally begun their on water duels. While Ineos Team UK was dealing with technical issues on day one of official practice earlier this week, Cup holders Team New Zealand, Italian Challengers of Record Luna Rossa and American Magic all got their first chances to test themselves against one another. It comes ahead of four days racing later next week - the first three in a World Series event, followed by a final day "Christmas Cup" regatta. That's followed by the month-long Prada Cup from January 15, with the winner earning the right to challenge Team New Zealand for the Auld Mug across two weeks in March. So, with practice underway, and real racing less than a week away, who's flying highest on their foils in the fight for international sport's oldest trophy. Joining Clay Wilson to discuss are Sail-World.com New Zealand editor Richard Gladwell, longtime America's Cup journalist Suzanne McFadden of LockerRoom, and RNZ America's Cup reporter, Felicity Reid.

Is Super Rugby in fact the best way forward for Pasifika rugby? Saturday's match between the Maori All Blacks and Moana Pasifika in Hamilton essentially heralds Moana Pasifika's emergence as a Super Rugby side. They along with a Fiji based team are set to join the Super Rugby competition from 2022. Join Joe Porter on RNZ's Extra Time as he talks to Pacific Rugby Players boss Aayden Clarke, Samoa women's coach Ramsey Tomokino and RNZ sports writer Hamish Bidwell. Clarke believes two Super Rugby teams means more opportunity for Pacific Island players, which the world owes them. But Bidwell isn't convinced it will translate to improved performances by Samoa, Tonga, and Fiji and wants those unions to do a better job of organising their sport. We also hear from New Zealand squash star Joelle King, who's staying put in the UK in the hope she gets some tournament play. And she talks about undergoing a barrage of Covid testing.

Who would have thought so much could ride on an All Blacks Test against Argentina. But this weekend's game has taken on much more significance given the side's first ever loss to the Pumas two weeks ago and the fact they've lost two tests on the trot - something they haven't done since 2011.

The All Blacks appear to be a team in crisis following their historic defeat to Argentina last week, but do the public really care? Join Brenton Vannisselroy on Extra Time as journalist Hamish Bidwell, Wellington Pride rugby player Alice Soper and RNZ sport reporter Barry Guy discuss the fall-out from the All Blacks' first back-to-back defeats in nine years, which has seen the spotlight fall on new coach Ian Foster and his rookie captain Sam Cane. You'll also hear from Black Ferns loose forward Charmaine McMenamin following the draw for next year's women's Rugby World Cup in New Zealand and Team New Zealand's head designer Dan Bernasconi talks about their new-look hydrofoiling monohull for their America's Cup defence.

Red cards and sending offs are they ruining rugby? Former All Blacks coach Laurie Mains thinks so and tells us why and how things need to change if rugby is to remain an attractive and entertaining sport. We hear from Kiwi Ferns legend Honey Hireme-Smiler on why a seventh World Cup was a bridge too far and it's now time to hang up her footy boots. And Sir Bryan Williams from Super Rugby side in waiting Moana Pasifika tells us how they're building towards Super Rugby in 2022. Listen into Extra Time with Stephen Hewson - brought you by RNZ, in association with Stuff and LockerRoom.

Former New Zealand Netball and Rugby Australia boss Raelene Castle has been appointed as chief executive of Sport New Zealand, but what direction does she want to take the organisation?

The Bledisloe Cup is yet to be decided, there have been a few changes to both the All Blacks and Wallabies sides and Australia is set to host their first test of the year, but for RNZ's Extra Time panel they're struggling to get excited for Saturday's showdown between the All Blacks and Wallabies in Sydney.

The Silver Ferns are finally back on court adjusting to life without Laura Langman - but how are the world champions shaping up for their three test series against Commonwealth Games champions England? In Extra Time We talk with Kiri Wills from the Silver Ferns coaching staff on the challenges ahead and we're also joined by Suzanne McFadden from LockerRoom and RNZ's Bridget Tunnicliffe. he two Scott's - New Zealanders Scott Dixon and Scott McLaughlin are front and centre in the final round of the Indycar Champs in the United States with Dixon chasing his sixth title and McLauglin set to make his debut in Florida. And Dame Valerie Adams shakes things up on the shot put scene ahead of next year's Tokyo Olympics.

The second Bledisloe Cup test is almost upon us and - after last week's drawn opener - there's plenty to play for and plenty of pressure on the All Blacks to maintain their colossal Eden Park record.

Has NZR been arrogant in how it's handled itself in 2020 and can its relationships be repaired?

Israel Adesanya retained his UFC world middleweight title last week and is set to become one of the biggest names in the sport. Mixed Martial Arts continues to grow as a global sport and has a strong following. But because it's a violent sport, should it get the promotion that it does? Medical professionals are against it. Rugby continues to battle off the field more than it does on, with the Rugby Championship yet to be confirmed because of conflicts with the scheduling. Is New Zealand Rugby to blame for the situation it now finds itself in? Join Barry Guy on RNZ's Extra Time as he, Hamish Bidwell, Ashley Stanley and Joe Porter discuss the pros and cons of MMA fighting and the saga that is the Rugby Championship.

Mixed martials arts has undoubtedly been on the up and up as a sport in New Zealand in recent years, but that rise reaches a new high point this weekend. No less than four fighters from Auckland's City Kickboxing gym will compete at UFC 253, headlined by middleweight world champion Israel Adesanya defending his belt against highly-touted Brazilian Paulo Costa. Join Clay Wilson on RNZ's Extra Time as we hear from Israel Adesanya and another member of the City Kickboxing UFC stable, Dan Hooker - and we're joined by up-and-coming CKB fighter Genah Fabian, Marvin France from Stuff and RNZ's Joe Porter.. And we hear from White Ferns cricketer Amy Satterthwaite about touring with a baby on board and Commonwealth Games mountain bike champion Sam Gaze talks about his battle with depression as he gets back on his bike for international competition. Extra Time brought to you by RNZ, Stuff and LockerRoom

The All Blacks will play test match rugby this year afterall. Two Bledisloe Cup tests against Wallabies have been confirmed for Wellington and Auckland and the side will then head to Australia for the rugby championship...although that seems to be up in the air with doubts over whether South Africa and Argentina will play. Doubts too over whether some key All Blacks will make the trip too suggestions some may opt out of the tour. We discuss the ramifications with New Zealand Rugby Players Association chief Rob Nichol, RNZ rugby reporter Joe Porter and commentator Hamish Bidwell. And White Ferns cricketer Suzie Bates discusses the trials and tribulations of quarantine in Brisbane ahead of their series against Australia.

The news that former Silver Fern Anna Harrison is returning to top level netball ....got us thinking here at Extra Time about the 'Senior Citizens' of elite sport?

With yet another sport coming under scrutiny over high performance coaching practices Extra Time asks are our coaches too tough or are our athletes becoming too soft? Two-thirds of Canoe Racing New Zealand's women's high-performance squad have left the programme in the past 18 months labelling the environment as toxic and manipulative. It comes comes less than a month after a slew of allegations involving gymnastics in this country - while cycling, hockey, football and rowing have all come under scrutiny in the past couple of years for the way some athletes have been treated. And to spit or not to spit? Gobbing off has quite literally cost former Olympic runner Robbie Johnston a cross country title.

Former Olympic rowing champion Rob Waddell has found himself in a battle with with secondary school principals and other groups over an initiative aimed at broadcasting more school sport. Does Waddell's Sports Collective, which gives Sky TV exclusive rights to stream or broadcast school tournaments, events and matches, have the interests of the students at heart? Or is it just about making money? Are all secondary schools keen to take part? Will it pour extra pressure on teenage athletes to succeed, at the detriment of their mental health? Or will it help keep kids in sport, grow participation numbers and help fund youth sports events trhoughout the country? RNZ, Stuff and Locker Room present Extra Time - joining RNZ's Joe Porter on the podcast this week are Stuff sport's journalist Jackson Thomas, Roger Mortimer from the NZ Athletes Federation, the Auckland Grammar School principal Tim O'Connor. We hear their concerns and questions and put those to Rob Waddell in a one on one interview.

At the start of the ANZ Netball Premiership season, the title appeared to be the Pulse's to lose. The defending champs dominated the competition and recorded ten wins in a row, while their opponents in this weekend's grand final, the Mainland Tactix, were one of many teams trying to catch them. However the Pulse have since suffered a couple of losses, including one to the Tactix, who in recent weeks have gained all the momentum. In Extra Time this week, RNZ reporter Bridget Tunnicliffe, LockerRoom writer Suzanne McFadden, Brendon Egan from Stuff, and former Silver Fern Belinda Colling discuss Sunday's Grand Final and run the rule over this year's revamped competition.

In Extra Time this week...the Crusaders have wrapped up the Super Rugby Aotearoa title with a round to spare but the real question is what happens in 2021? How many head knocks is too many and where to now for All Blacks skipper Sam Cane? Paddler Alicia Hoskins tells us about the life threatening heart condition which threatened to derail her Olympic hopes. And we look at how Netball is leading the way when it comes to the influence of Maori and Pasifika on the culture of ANZ premiership teams. Listen to Extra Time with Stephen Hewson.

After significant investigations into high performance environments in cycling, football and hockey - yet another New Zealand sport is in the spotlight concerning the topic of athlete welfare. Gymnastics NZ has come under fire over the past week - with athletes, parents and coaches coming forward with allegations of emotional and physical abuse, and a lack of action over complaints. The concerns are emerging as serious issues with the sport and its treatment of elite athletes continue to be exposed around the world. So just how bad is the problem in New Zealand, and are complaints being dealt with in a manner that will bring lasting change for gymnastics in this country? Joining Clay Wilson on the show this week are Roger Mortimer from the NZ Athletes Federation and journalists Felicity Reid and Zoe George, who have been covering this story for RNZ and Stuff, respectively.

RNZ, Stuff and Locker Room present Extra Time - joining RNZ's Joe Porter on the podcast this week are former All Black Tamati Ellison, who is a coach with the Kanaloa Hawaii Major League rugby side, Netball New Zealand's national coaching development manager Tania Karauria, Dr Sierra Keung an academic at AUT in Auckland who has researched the cultural differences in coaching from a Māori & Pasifika perspective and former Kiwis and Warriors coach Frank Endacott.

World Rugby is proposing to ban trans-athletes from playing in the women's game but will New Zealand Rugby follow suit? And South Africa and Australia haven't been backward in coming forward in criticising New Zealand Rugby's planned new Super Rugby competition suggesting the NZR is trying to split the game - what's got everyone so riled up? Listen into Extra Time with Stephen Hewson, former Black Fern Louisa Wall, Ani O'Brien from Speak Up for Women New Zealand, Koro Vakauta of RNZ Pacific and sports journalist Hamish Bidwell.

Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua joins us on Extra Time this week to give her take on the ANZ Netball Premiership and discuss how things are shaping up for the Silver Ferns and just whether or not they'll get to play this year.

Controversy is again threatening to capsize the Americas Cup, with some rather serious allegations thrown at Team New Zealand and its boss Grant Dalton. What does the latest drama mean? And do most New Zealanders care? Studies have revealed racial bias in sports commentary in Europe, is it present in New Zealand sports broadcasting? One of New Zealand rugby's oldest and most stirring rivalries is back, can the Blues claim their first win against the Crusaders in Christchurch since 2004? And the future of Super Rugby. Will New Zealand and Australia ditch South Africa and Argentina and go it alone from next year? Will a Pacific Islands team finally be involved? RNZ, Stuff and Locker Room present Extra Time, joining RNZ's Joe Porter on the show this week Stuff sports journalist Dana Johannsen, SKY television commentator Fauono Ken Laban and sports writer and RNZ columnist Hamish Bidwell.

Professional sport is slowly emerging from the grip of the pandemic but its financial future is far from certain. A recent Sport New Zealand report highlighted the plight of the likes of rugby, netball, cricket and football at a professional level. It led to nearly $5 million in government funding to prop up the ANZ netball premiership, Super Rugby, the Wellington Phoenix and the Warriors. But how long can professional sport in New Zealand survive? Extra Time with RNZ sports editor Stephen Hewson peers into the crystal ball to examine the future of sport. Joining him are Netball New Zealand's Jennie Wyllie, the Crusaders Colin Mansbridge, Rob Morrison from the Phoenix and Sport NZ boss Peter Miskimmin.

RNZ, Stuff and LockerRoom present Extra Time. New Zealand and Australia Football are celebrating their successful bid to host the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. But what will it mean for the women's game here and will the tournament help the game grow.The Extra Time team is joined by former Football Fern Kristy Hill to discuss the huge opportunity New Zealand Football now has. He was well liked by his players, but the Warriors owners weren't happy as they sacked coach Stephen Kearney. Former coach Frank Endacott admits he was surprised by the dismissal, but not that surprised by the club's results this season.

Having had to sit and cool their heels and watch on as rugby league and rugby union returned to the field, the country's top flight netballers finally get to return to the court this weekend with the resumption of the ANZ premiership. Listen in to RNZ's Extra Time podcast - in conjunction with Stuff and LockerRoom - as we preview the revamped competition and examine just how netball has coped over the past three months.

Rugby starved fans around the country are getting ready to roar as Super Rugby Aotearoa kicks off, but can anyone halt the heavy favourite Crusaders from charging to the title? Guests this week are Black Ferns midfielder Chelsea Alley, sports columnist Hamish Bidwell, Wellington Pride women's rugby player Alice Soper and RugbyPass rugby analyst Ben Smith.

Sport and politics, once separated, the two are now inextricable and athletes are fighting against social injustice. Guests this week are former Black Fern, Silver Fern and now MP Louisa Wall, Massey University's Dr Jeremy Hapeta and Stuff sports journalist Kevin Norquay.

In Extra Time this week, live sport is finally back. The panel take a look at the resumption of the NRL, and assess the Warriors’ chances. We also hear from Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua and find out about what New Zealand Rugby is doing with mental health.

What does a $265 million financial relief package from government really mean for the sports sector. All levels of sport have been hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, but for those below the elite level it is really hitting home. Primary sources of revenue such as membership fees, gaming machine profits and sponsorships have gone. RNZ, Stuff and Locker Room present Extra Time and this week they're joined by Netball New Zealand, the New Zealand Amateur Sports Association, the Players Association and White Fern Suzie Bates to discuss how that money should be spent.