All Whites defender Liberato Cacace is set to join Welsh club Wrexham after reports confirmed a transfer from Italian side Empoli. The 24-year-old footballer, who has been a vital member of the New Zealand national team, is expected to complete the move as Wrexham prepares for its upcoming season in the English Championship.

According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, the transfer is regarded as a “done deal.” Cacace has been under contract with Empoli until next year, but following the club’s relegation from Serie A, they are willing to let him leave on a permanent basis. The reported transfer fee is around NZ$4.7 million plus additional bonuses for performance.

Cacace’s Journey and Impact

Cacace’s career has taken him across various leagues since he left Wellington in 2020, where he began his professional journey. After spending two years in Belgium, he moved to Italy, where he contributed significantly to Empoli’s defensive line. He has made 33 appearances for the All Whites and was instrumental in the team’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

As Wrexham prepares to face Cacace’s former club, the Wellington Phoenix, in a friendly match this weekend, expectations are high for his debut at the iconic Racecourse Ground. The club, which has seen remarkable growth with three successive promotions, is under the ownership of Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. This ownership has boosted Wrexham’s profile, making them one of the most followed clubs worldwide.

What’s Next for Cacace?

Should the transfer be officially confirmed, Cacace could also feature in the popular documentary series Welcome to Wrexham, which chronicles the club’s journey under its new ownership. This opportunity not only highlights Cacace’s talents on the field but also broadens his exposure in the growing global football community.

As he prepares for this new chapter in his career, supporters in both New Zealand and Wales are eager to see how Cacace will adapt to his new environment and contribute to Wrexham’s ambitions in the Championship.

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Former rugby league stars Sonny Bill Williams and Paul Gallen are set to clash in a highly anticipated boxing match on October 14, 2023. The event marks the culmination of a lengthy buildup filled with intense rivalry and heated exchanges between the two athletes. Fans have eagerly awaited this showdown, which showcases the talents of both fighters as they transition from the rugby field to the boxing ring.

The match will take place in New Zealand, with the action expected to begin at approximately 9pm NZT. This bout represents not just a personal challenge for Williams and Gallen, but also a significant moment for fans of both sports. Their respective careers in the National Rugby League (NRL) have garnered considerable attention, and this fight is a chance for both to demonstrate their skills in a different arena.

According to RNZ (Radio New Zealand), the lead-up to the fight has been marked by a series of public exchanges between the two fighters. Both Williams and Gallen have expressed their determination to come out on top, with each seeking to prove their superiority in the ring. The anticipation surrounding this match is palpable, and it promises to deliver excitement for boxing and rugby fans alike.

As the time for the bout approaches, excitement continues to build. Observers are eager to see how both competitors will adapt their rugby skills to boxing techniques. The fight is expected to draw significant media coverage and a large audience, further highlighting the crossover appeal of these athletes as they venture into professional boxing.

This event is more than just a sporting match; it is a test of character and resilience for both fighters. Williams and Gallen have built reputations as fierce competitors throughout their rugby careers, and now they aim to translate that competitive spirit into the ring. The outcome of this match could have implications for their future in boxing and could pave the way for additional cross-sport events.

Fans can follow all the developments leading up to the fight through RNZ’s live blog, which will provide real-time updates and insights into the fighters’ preparations and strategies. As the anticipation builds, the boxing world is eager to witness this unique showdown between two sporting icons.

In a highly anticipated heavyweight boxing match, Sonny Bill Williams faced off against Paul Gallen in Sydney on July 7, 2023. Both fighters, known for their athletic prowess and competitive spirits, entered the ring looking to settle their long-standing rivalry. The event not only showcased these two fighters but also featured several other bouts, adding to the excitement of the evening.

Fight Details and Records

Both Williams and Gallen brought impressive records to the ring. Sonny Bill Williams, at 39 years old, entered with a record of 9 wins and 1 loss. His last fight resulted in a fourth-round TKO defeat against Mark Hunt in November 2022. Standing at 191 cm and weighing 106.5 kg, Williams is known for his agility and strength.

Paul Gallen, 43, boasted a record of 15 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw. His last appearance was a unanimous decision victory over Justin Hodges in November 2022. Gallen stood shorter at 179 cm and weighed in at 100.5 kg. Both fighters entered the bout in peak physical condition, eager to prove their dominance.

Event Schedule and Other Matches

The coverage for the event commenced at 20:00 NZT on Sky Arena and Sky Sport Now, with the first fight expected to begin at 20:15 NZT. David Nyika, a promising heavyweight with a record of 10 wins and 1 loss, returned to the ring against Kiwi veteran Nik Charalampous, who holds a record of 23 wins, 6 losses, and 2 draws. Nyika’s previous fight ended in a knockout against Jai Opetaia during a short-notice challenge for the IBF world cruiserweight title in January.

Nyika’s match was scheduled for around 21:20 NZT, while the main event featuring Williams and Gallen was anticipated to start at approximately 00:45 NZT. The full fight card included several enticing matchups:

• Sonny Bill Williams vs. Paul Gallen – Heavyweight main event, eight two-minute rounds
• Clay Waterman vs. Mose Auimatagi Jnr. – Cruiserweight, eight three-minute rounds
• Kris Terzievski vs. Troy Pilcher – Heavyweight, ten three-minute rounds
• Kane Baker vs. Johan Linde – Heavyweight, six three-minute rounds
• David Nyika vs. Nik Charalampous – 98kg catchweight, eight three-minute rounds
• Rahim Mundine vs. Joe Vatusaqata – Super middleweight, four three-minute rounds
• Alex Leapai Jnr vs. Herve Silu Mata – Heavyweight, six three-minute rounds

Fighter Statements

As the fight drew near, both fighters expressed their readiness and determination. Gallen mentioned, “It’s been a good camp – can’t say everything’s gone to plan the whole time. When you’re at my age, you run into a few hiccups here and there, but overall things have been pretty good. I’ve sparred well, I’ve trained hard, I’ve lost a lot of weight, I’m fit and healthy. Where I’m at with my age, I don’t think I could’ve prepared any better for this fight.”

Williams, reflecting on the event, stated, “The beauty of this event is the talk’s done now and the work’s been done. This is the s*** that we love. I’ve been doing this for 20 years, the big bright lights to see who can perform and I’ve done a lot of great sparring and training. I’ve been to the trenches and we’re here right now and ready to go.”

Both fighters were set to earn $1 million each, marking a significant financial incentive as they concluded their feud in the ring. This match not only captured headlines but also highlighted the enduring popularity of boxing in Australia, attracting fans eager to witness the clash of these two sporting icons.

The coverage of women’s sports in New Zealand has seen a significant increase, driven by the remarkable performances of female athletes at the recent Paris Olympics and the White Ferns’ success at the T20 World Cup. According to the latest findings from the Sports Media and Gender Study, 27% of all sports news stories in New Zealand in 2024 focused on women’s sports. This marks a rise from 26% in 2023, the year Aotearoa hosted the FIFA Women’s World Cup, and is approaching the record high of 28% achieved in 2022 during the Women’s Cricket and Rugby World Cups.

The study highlights a growing trend in media coverage that sports leaders hope will become the new standard. Despite key events for New Zealand athletes occurring offshore last year, including the Olympics and Paralympics, the interest and visibility of women’s sports have remained robust. The White Ferns, for instance, surprised many with their performance in the T20 World Cup, contributing to the elevated profile of women’s sports in the country.

Increased Visibility of Women’s Sports

The positive trajectory in media representation is noteworthy, especially given the challenges faced by women’s sports coverage in the past. The rise to 27% in 2024 indicates a commitment from media outlets to provide more balanced coverage, which has been a topic of discussion among sports executives and advocates for gender equality in sports.

This latest figure is particularly impressive considering the significant events that took place outside New Zealand, which traditionally may have resulted in a decline in local coverage. With the Paris Olympics and T20 World Cup, these successes have evidently resonated with audiences and media alike.

One of the driving forces behind this change is the increasing success of women athletes in international competitions. The visibility gained from these high-profile events has encouraged sports media to dedicate more resources to women’s sports stories, fostering a greater appreciation for the achievements of female athletes.

Future Prospects for Women’s Sports Coverage

As New Zealand moves forward, sports leaders express optimism that this trend will continue. They are advocating for sustained efforts to ensure that women’s sports receive equal attention and coverage comparable to their male counterparts. The findings from the Sports Media and Gender Study underscore the importance of ongoing support and investment in women’s sports at all levels, from grassroots initiatives to elite competitions.

The rise in coverage coincides with a broader global movement towards gender equality in sports, as more countries recognize the valuable contributions of female athletes. In New Zealand, the recent successes of the White Ferns and other prominent female sports figures are paving the way for a more inclusive sports media landscape.

Efforts to enhance the representation of women in sports media not only benefit athletes but also inspire the next generation of female sports enthusiasts and participants. By continuing to highlight their stories and achievements, New Zealand can foster a culture that values and supports women in sports, ensuring that the impressive coverage seen in recent years becomes a lasting reality.