Sportstalk with D'Arcy Waldegrave

Warriors star and former All Black Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has been linked to the Saudi-backed rugby competition R360 - with a deal worth around $1 million apparently on offer. Managing director and leading player agent Simon Porter joined Sportstalk to discuss what the behind-the-scenes momentum of negotiations and development may look like, and explain the growing buzz around the tournament. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An All Black great and Kangaroo legend will let their fists do the talking in the boxing ring tonight - putting an end to a decade long feud. Sonny Bill Williams and Paul Gallen will mark the end of their sporting careers with the trans-Tasman showdown. But how much is at stake beyond ego? And how much do these fight events draw in? Newstalk ZB sports journalist Elijah Fa'afiu joined Elliott Smith from Sydney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The final All Blacks test against France is set to happen in the coming days and the Kiwi side have a solid lead. All Black centurion Mils Muliaina joined Elliott Smith to discuss his take on whether coach Scott Robertson should shake the team selection - or if consistency is the key to a future victory. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warriors recovered from early setbacks to pull out a 34-14 win against the Wests Tigers over the weekend. It's a much needed lift for the side following back-to-back defeats in the games prior. Mid-season, the team rank 4th and have a further four matches at their Penrose home in the final nine rounds. Assistant coach Slade Griffin joins Jason Pine to discuss the line-up for this weekend's match against the Newcastle Knights. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eden Park has been home ground for the Blues since the inaugural Super Rugby season in 1996 - but change could be on the horizon. The Auckland rugby franchise has asked for public feedback on moving their home games to Mt Smart Stadium for the 2026 season. Eden Park CEO Nick Sautner joins Jason Pine to discuss his concerns about the potential move, and how the stadium can deliver the best fan experience. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Pine returns to recap a full day in the world of sport! Highlights for tonight include: Rugby commentator Tony Johnson on the All Blacks' victory over France. Sports journo Elijah Fa'afiu ahead of the Gallen v Sonny Bill boxing bout. Piney's Power Rankings! LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sonny Bill Williams has swatted off Paul Gallen's final attempts to get under his skin ahead of their boxing bout in Sydney. The pre-fight press conference for Wednesday's fight eventually sparked into life, with Gallen accusing Williams of drug use and for charging large sums for his community work. Sports journalist Elijah Fa'afiu joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coach Scott Robertson's laying down a challenge to the All Blacks squad with their series against France already in the bag ahead of the third and final test. The hosts have regained the Dave Gallaher Trophy with wins in the opening pair of matches in Dunedin and Wellington. Rugby commentator Tony Johnson joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every Monday, Jason Pine ranks the best and worst sporting moments from the week that was - and everything in between. This week, he talked about The Springboks' prowess, the Warriors' latest win and Sammie Maxwell's victory in Andorra. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elliott Smith returns to recap a full day in the world of sport! Highlights for tonight include: AUNZ Invitational assistant coach Ian Foster ahead of their match against the Lions. Talkback - do we need to ditch the TMO from rugby? Former Blue Aaron Woods on Origin 3. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the decider! Whoever wins Origin 3 in Sydney tonight will lock up the shield for another year. Proud NSW man and former player Aaron Woods spoke to Elliott Smith on Sportstalk. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former All Blacks coach Ian Foster is playing a key role in the Lions tour over the ditch. He's helping Les Kiss coach the Australia-NZ invitational team that's set to face the Lions at Adelaide Oval. He spoke to Elliott Smith on Sportstalk. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elliott Smith returns to recap a full day in the world of sport! Highlights for tonight include: Basketball NZ acting CEO Belinda Edwards on how expensive it was for our junior Tall Blacks to compete at the World Cup they just came 4th in. Talkback - Do we need to move our sport funding model away from the Olympics and towards popular sports? Matt Fisher - Northern Districts pace bowler on getting the call-up for the Black Caps. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Northern Districts pace bowler Matt Fisher has got the call-up he's been waiting for his whole career. He'll be joining the Black Caps for their tour of Zimbabwe later this month. Matt spoke to Elliott Smith on Sportstalk. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was one of the great sporting storylines of the weekend - the junior Tall Blacks managed to punch above their weight and finish fourth in the U19 Basketball World Cip. But it didn't come cheap. Each of the players had to stump up $5000 to cover the cost of the tournament. Basketball NZ acting CEO Belinda Edwards spoke to Elliott Smith on Sportstalk about whether our system for funding sport in NZ needs a re-think. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks managed a scrappy win over France in Dunedin, but they've got some improvements to make ahead of the second clash. The 31-27 victory has left the team with plenty to mull over for the next few days. All Blacks halfback Cam Roigard joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Pine returns to recap a full day in the world of sport! Highlights for tonight include: All Blacks halfback Cam Roigard on the team's first test match of 2025. Piney's Power Rankings! LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Head coach of the Warriors Women Ron Griffiths joins Elliott Smith to discuss the clubs long-awaited reintroduction to the NRLW competition. How will the experience of captain Apii Nicholls benefit the team as the only player to return home for the Warriors comeback campaign? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hurricanes co-captain Du'Plessis Kirifi has been given the chance to earn his first test cap after being named in the No 20 jersey for this Saturday's test against France. Kirifi joins Elliott Smith to discuss what the coaches have asked of him for his debut, and how it will feel to perform the haka and sing the national anthem with his family in the stands. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Havili missed out on being part of the All Blacks squad to play France, but he's been chosen for another high-profile clash this July. Havili was selected for the AUNZ Invitational XV squad to play the British and Irish Lions in Adelaide on July 12, and he joined Elliott Smith to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After spending the Super Rugby season getting accustomed to one set of rules and regulations, players will now have to adapt to another set of guidelines for the international test period. Former international referee Vinny Munro says the All Blacks players returning to the field will have to deal with what's in front of them now. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2025 Super Rugby season has drawn to a close and the next batch of All Blacks tests are on the horizon - sparking discussion about finding the right balance during training. Former All Blacks coach Laurie Mains reveals how he found the balance between fielding and resting key players. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Plenty of intriguing narratives to start the year's third tennis grand slam. Tennis commentator Craig Gabriel wraps the action from the hottest opening day on record at Wimbledon. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Pine returns to recap a full day in the world of sport! Highlights for tonight include: Former Warrior Motu Tony on how the team can replace Luke Metcalf following his weekend injury. Motorsport expert Bob McMurray on Liam Lawson's 'career-best' day. Piney's Power Rankings! LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every Monday, Jason Pine ranks the best and worst sporting moments from the week that was - and everything in between. This week, he talked about the Warriors' latest loss, the Junior Tall Blacks' back-to-back win and Finn Butcher winning gold in Prague. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A career best Formula One finish hasn't completely banished the disappointment of an early season demotion for Liam Lawson. He's come home sixth at the Austrian Grand Prix. That made the Kiwi the best of the Red Bull-backed drivers, including Yuki Tsunoda - who replaced Lawson at Red Bull Racing just two races into the season. Motorsport commentator Bob McMurray joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's concerns for the Warriors' future after Luke Metcalf left the field with an injury. The team's hit a rough spot - with some back-to-back losses for the first time in 2025 after a 26-12 defeat to the Broncos. Former Warrior Motu Tony joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

D'Arcy Waldegrave returned to wrap another day of sports news! Highlights for tonight include: Pita Alatini - Former All Black on the future of Moana Pasifika Ish Sodhi - On chasing his dream for a central contract Avan Lee - Hurricanes CEO on their fundraising efforts for Mereana Pearce LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Hurricanes organisation, and players past and present, have come together in a fundraising effort to support Hurricanes wider training group member Nui Muriwai and his partner, Mereana Pearce. Mereana, 20, was recently diagnosed with SCCOHT (Small Cell Carcinoma of the Ovary, Hypercalcaemic Type), a rare and aggressive form of ovarian cancer that only affects one in 10 million women worldwide. Since her diagnosis, Mereana has undergone intensive rounds of chemotherapy, two major abdominal surgeries, high-dose radiation, and ongoing immunotherapy – all while being told she may have months to live. Given how few women are impacted by this type of cancer, the treatment Mereana requires is extremely limited, costing an average of $60,000 to $70,000 for every four doses. To help support Mereana, the Hurricanes welcome contributions to Mereana's Givealittle page, and are hosting a Trade Me auction, thanks to the kind donations of Sky Stadium, NZ Super Rugby clubs, Hurricanes players and Alumni in an effort to raise funds for her ongoing treatment and recovery. Among the items on offer in the auction include: A corporate box alongside two Hurricanes legends at the All Blacks v South Africa test at Sky Stadium in Wellington on 13 September A test match-worn jersey donated by Tyrel Lomax – worn in his 39th test for the All Blacks against Australia in Sydney, 2024 A signed test match-worn jersey donated by Brad Shields – worn in his fifth test for England against Australia at Twickenham in 2018 An All Blacks jersey signed by Dane Coles and embroidered with his career stats A round of golf with Jordie Barrett and Christian Cullen for two people in Wellington/Kapiti Coast Five fully-signed Marvel jerseys from each of the New Zealand-based DHL Super Rugby Pacific teams Lunch with three of the Hurricanes' All Blacks in Wellington, plus captain's run and hospitality access A 2025 Hurricanes heritage jersey signed by this year's squad “This is not an easy thing for us to ask,” Mereana said. “My family has always managed quietly, without seeking help. But more recently, with the news that I potentially have a couple months left to live, we humbly reach out. “If you are in a position to offer support, no matter the size, please know that we are deeply grateful. Your support means more than words can express.” “We were devastated to learn of Mereana's diagnosis,” Hurricanes chief executive Avan Lee added. “Nui has been great to have at the Hurricanes, and Nui and Mereana are a lovely young couple. It was amazing to see them both at our awards night recently. We just want to show our support for them, so hopefully the rugby community get behind this as well.” Anyone interested in providing to Mereana's Givealittle page can do so here. Items on the Trade Me auction are live now and can be bid for here. Terms & Conditions for the auction can be found here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bevon Jacobs is the only uncapped player in the Black Caps cricket squad for next month's T20 tri-series with South Africa and hosts Zimbabwe. The 23-year-old was called up to face Sri Lanka over the new year period, but wasn't selected. Finn Allen, Adam Milne,Tim Seifert and Ish Sodhi return, despite not having central contracts. Kane Williamson, Lockie Ferguson and Kyle Jamieson are unavailable for various reasons. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A breakdown at the Moana Pasifika Super Rugby franchise as questions mount over disclosure and transparency at ownership level. The Herald reports the team received around eight million dollars in government help across the first three seasons. Concern now centres on the charity Pasifika Medical Association Group which bought the franchise last year, and a reduction in their Whanau Ora contracts. Those have previously been used to bolster Moana Pasifika's finances, a strategy reported as contentious among health service providers to the Polynesian community. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

D'Arcy Waldegrave returned to wrap another day of sports news! Highlights for tonight include: College Sport Wellington director Bryan Dickinson and Wellington Rugby Referee Association chair Ian Dallas on the ref abuse incident in Horwhenua-Kapiti. Talkback - is the HKRFU taking the right approach to solve the ref abuse problem? Supercars driver Matt Payne on next year's NZ double-header? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The dates are out for next year's NZ Supercars double-header. The events in Taupo and Ruapuna will happen in mid-April. Driver Matt Payne spoke to D'Arcy Waldegrave on Sportstalk. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More details have emerged about the incident in Horowhenua-Kapiti where a referee was threatened. All rugby games in the province have been called off this weekend because of the abuse. College Sport Wellington director Bryan Dickinson and Wellington Rugby Refereeing Association chair Ian Dallas both spoke to D'Arcy Waldegrave on Sportstalk. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

D'Arcy Waldegrave returned to wrap another day of sports news! Highlights for tonight include: Horowhenua-Kapiti Rugby Union CEO Cory Kennett on why he's cancelled a week of junior, senior and college rugby. Black Cap Kyle Jamieson on the upcoming home season of cricket. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Caps are in for a massive home spring of cricket. Yes, spring. South Africa, Australia, England and the West Indies are all on their way, but mostly between October and December. Black Cap Kyle Jamieson is fizzing already, and he spoke to D'Arcy Waldegrave on Sportstalk. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All junior, senior and college rugby games in Horowhenua-Kapiti this weekend have all been called off. CEO Craig Kennett has warned that he'd do this if there was serious abuse of any referees, and unfortunately one ref had to be escorted to their car last week because of risks to their safety. Craig spoke to D'Arcy Waldegrave on Sportstalk. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

D'Arcy Waldegrave returned to wrap another day of sports news! Highlights for tonight include: NZ Herald rugby writer Liam Napier on the All Blacks selection. Talkback - All Blacks selections. Du'Plessis Kirifi on getting the All Blacks call-up. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hurricanes co-captain Du'Plessis Kirifi has finally got his first proper All Blacks call-up. He was injury cover five years ago but is still uncapped, and this time he's been named in the squad proper. Du'Plessis spoke to D'Arcy Waldegrave on Sportstalk. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sportstalk's D'Arcy Waldegrave has decided to kick his work week off by picking apart the All Blacks selections for the series against France The 35-man squad was announced yesterday and includes 5 debutants. Liam Napier of the New Zealand Herald was at the squad announcement, he spoke to D'Arcy on the show. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Pine returns to recap a full day in the world of sport! Highlights for tonight include: All Blacks assistant coach Jase Ryan on the new 35-man All Blacks squad named to face France. Du'Plessis Kirifi on being named as part of the squad set to face France. Piney's power rankings! LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first All Blacks squad of the year includes five uncapped players. Highlanders utility Timoci Tavatavanawai is the only new back - while Hurricanes flanker Du'Plessis Kirifi, Highlanders lock Fabian Holland and Chiefs front-rowers Ollie Norris and Brodie McAlister are the quartet of forwards named for next month's home series against France. All Blacks assistant coach Jase Ryan joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.