Weekend Sport with Jason Pine

The Harlem Globetrotters are expected to tour New Zealand this July, stopping in Auckland, Wellington, New Plymouth, Christchurch and Hamilton. Globetrotter Wham Middleton joined Piney to discuss. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James McOnie from The Crowd Goes Wild recaps the Blues v Hurricanes match, talks the Crusaders v Blues - and discusses the Wellington Phoenix and Richie Mo'unga's possible return to New Zealand shores. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Expect the Tactix to talk up a storm on court against the also-unbeaten Central Pulse in the ANZ Premiership this afternoon at Palmerston North. Tactix defender Paris Lokotui joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Round 5 of netball's ANZ Premiership is expected to begin this evening. Accomplished defender Kelly Jackson joined Piney ahead of the event. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wellington Phoenix are gearing up for the first leg of their A-League semi-final against the Melbourne Victory. In their three meetings this season, the Phoenix have drawn with Melbourne twice and beaten them once, 1-nil. Former A-League footballer Daniel McBreen joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warriors are determined to out-muscle a physical Roosters pack through the middle in this afternoon's NRL encounter in Sydney. The Mt Smart club go in off the back of a winless month, while the hosts are riding high after thrashing the Broncos. Australian sports journalist Phil Rothfield joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ahead of the 2024 Paris Games, one of New Zealand's most accomplished Olympians is looking back at his athletic career. Ian Ferguson won three gold medals at the 1984 Los Angeles Games and another gold in Korea four years later - one of the highest medal counts in the nation's history. He joined Piney to reminisce on his athletic legacy. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informa...

The Crusaders are now in 'must win' territory as they head down to Dunedin to face the Highlanders.   Piney caught up with Highlander's assistant Dave Dillon to dig into how they’re preparing for a wounded Crusaders outfit.   Dillon told him that although they’re coming off the back of two good wins, it’s going up another level tonight.   LISTEN ABOVE   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy info...

Craig Bellamy has extended his contract with Melbourne Storm.   Piney was joined by our Australian Correspondent Adam Peacock to discuss how important that signing is for the four-time champions.   He told him that Bellamy’s got a reputation up there with Wayne Bennett, if not exceeding him, for the consistency of the Melbourne Storm.   They don't have bad years, Peacock said. LISTEN ABOVE   See o...

The Blues are angling for the top spot.   They’re preparing to face the Hurricanes in tonight’s match, missing their star midfielder Reiko Ioane who's sitting out with concussion protocols.   Fellow back Mark Tele’a joined Piney to discuss the clash and dig into what Reiko’s absence means for the team.   He told him that they’ll miss him out on the field and will try and cinch the win for him as i...

The Hurricanes are facing the Blues in a top of the table clash.   Making their way to Auckland, the match is kicking off this afternoon at Eden Park.   Piney caught up with Hurricanes utility back Josh Moorby ahead of kickoff to preview the match.   He told Piney that it’s been a long, long few weeks since they last met the Blues, and both teams have grown stronger and stronger, so it’ll be an aw...

Damian McKenzie and Stephen Perofeta would be in their rights to feel aggrieved at New Zealand Rugby’s attempts to bring Richie Mo’unga back from Japan, former Crusaders and Fiji utility Nemani Nadolo believes.    Mo’unga, 29, is currently enjoying his first of three years in Japan, after signing a contract to join League One side Toshiba Brave Lupus following the 2023 World Cup in France.    But,...

Ex-Black Caps batter  Colin Munro  believes he was “blacklisted” by New Zealand Cricket for opting to ply his trade as a Twenty20 freelancer.   Munro, 37, has not played for the Black Caps at any level since 2020, but on Friday officially  confirmed his time as an international is done.   While he hasn’t appeared for New Zealand in more than four years, Munro has been a fixture in overseas Twenty2...

James McOnie from The Crowd Goes Wild joined Piney to discuss the weekend's Super Rugby results, the NBA playoffs, the Wellington Phoenix, the EPL's two-horse race and Qatar's 'sports-washing'. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When it comes to coaching, there's debate over whether former elite players make for better coaches. Coaching guru Wayne Goldsmith offers his answer to these questions. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A sports expert from Amnesty International has expressed surprise over Qatar's interest in hosting a Nations Championship event. Reports have surfaced about the finals of the new competition being hosted in the Arab country, which has been accused of human rights violations and was heavily criticised when hosting the 2022 Football World Cup. Amnesty International Felix Jakens joined Piney to discu...

The Warriors are striving for a defensive effort that reaps more control as they look to break out of a slump in league's NRL. This afternoon's game against the Knights in Newcastle comes after a stretch of three winless weekends for the Auckland-based club. Assistant coach Stacey Jones says a common theme of their struggles has been a lack of dominance in the ruck. Kick-off is at 4pm. LISTEN ABOV...

Former NZ Rugby chairman Brent Impey believes a Nations Championship hosted in Qatar is a smart move. Now chair of the Fijian Drua Super Rugby side, Impey says Fiji would seize the chance to participate in a tournament held in the middle-eastern nation. While acknowledging potential moral dilemmas Impey told Jason Pine that the undeniable financial appeal would be difficult to pass up. LISTEN ABOV...

Kirk Penney is reflecting on his career following the Hall of Fame announcement.  The Kiwi basketball legend is being inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame. He joined Piney to reflect on his career and what this honour means to him. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dave Heine won the first ever Rotorua marathon.   He was hoping to compete in the 10km run at this year's event, the 60 th  anniversary, but illness has had him withdraw.   Instead, he found time for a chat with Piney, reflecting on his achievement.   He told him that he didn’t expect to win the race, as it was just meant to be a training run.   LISTEN ABOVE   See omnystudio.com/listener for priva...

The Crusaders are looking to get back-to-back wins for the first time this season when they play the Reds.   Piney caught up with captain Scott Barrett ahead of the match, and to get some insight on the team's struggles this season.   “Hopefully we’ve turned our season around and string some wins together late in this competition.”   LISTEN ABOVE   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informati...

Phillip Wilson has jumped ship from singles to pairs.   The rower took the gold in the Men’s 8s at the Tokyo Olympics, but has made the decision to compete in the pairs at Paris this year.   He chatted with Piney about his previous success and whether he feels the pressure of Hamish Bond and Eric Murray, who were undefeated in that boat.   “You kind of have to not compare yourself to them, but you...

Australia has named their T20 World Cup squad, and there’s one notable omission.   Adam Peacock, our Australian Correspondent, joined Piney to discuss the reaction to Steve Smith’s absence and whether Wayne Bennett would be able to fix the Rabbitohs.   He told him that his absence was no big surprise, as there’s far more explosive players available.   “That’s probably the end of him T20 wise, but...

The Wellington Phoenix are finals-bound.   They’re awaiting the confirmation of their semifinal opponents, finishing the regular season in second place on the ladder.   Captain Alex Rufer joined Piney live in studio to look back on the season, answering the question of whether he thinks they can go all the way.   “I don’t see why not,” he told Piney.   “We’re a confident team, we’re positive. You...

Can you beat Dan Carter?   The All Blacks legend has teamed up with UNICEF, setting a challenge for rugby enthusiasts with the aim to provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene for children in the Pacific.   In one hour Carter kicked 273 goals using one ball and one tee, and he’s challenging others to beat his score.   He joined Piney to discuss the challenge, and give his thoughts on who could...