The Wellington Phoenix have announced the signing of Nigerian striker Ifeanyi Eze, who will replace veteran forward Kosta Barbarouses for the upcoming A-League season. Eze, 26, joins the Phoenix after a successful stint in the Iraq Stars League, where he netted 15 goals for Al-Karkh SC, which finished in 14th place.

Phoenix head coach Giancarlo Italiano expressed enthusiasm for Eze’s arrival, noting his impressive skill set. “He has all of the attributes I was looking for in an attacker,” Italiano stated. “He can score goals, he’s very fast, he can dribble at pace and his intention is to always go forward. And the most important thing for me is he’s a really, really good person.”

Eze, a left-footed forward, is set to join the team once he secures his New Zealand work visa. He is eager to integrate with his new teammates and contribute to the Phoenix’s ambitions for the season. The striker will don the number seven jersey, previously worn by Barbarouses, who concluded his third tenure with the Phoenix at the end of last season to sign with rivals Western Sydney.

During his time with the Phoenix, Barbarouses scored a total of 23 goals over the last two seasons, bringing his A-League tally to 98 goals, making him one of the league’s top scorers in history. His departure leaves a significant gap in the Phoenix’s attacking lineup, which they aim to fill with Eze’s dynamic play.

As of now, the Wellington Phoenix have contracted 19 players for the 2025-26 men’s season and have utilized four of their five available visa spots. The team looks to strengthen their squad further as they prepare for the challenges ahead in the A-League.

Fans can stay updated on the latest developments by signing up for the Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by the Phoenix’s editorial team.

The New Zealand Warriors celebrated a resounding 34-14 victory over the Wests Tigers, aided significantly by the impressive debut of new halfback Tanah Boyd. Boyd’s performance has sparked optimism among fans and analysts alike regarding the team’s prospects for success in the current NRL season.

Leading up to the match on September 24, 2023, Warriors coach Andrew Webster entrusted Boyd with a pivotal role following the season-ending injury to Luke Metcalf. Although Boyd, at 24 years old, had six seasons of experience with the Gold Coast Titans, he faced a challenging task as he had not played in the first grade this season. Despite this, Boyd stepped into the role seamlessly, demonstrating his capability as a playmaker.

Boyd’s ability to direct the game and make strategic decisions was evident throughout the match. He positioned himself effectively, adding much-needed structure to the Warriors’ attack. His presence allowed the team to execute plays with confidence, creating opportunities that ultimately led to their decisive win.

Webster’s faith in Boyd appears well-founded, as he not only filled the gap left by Metcalf but also injected a renewed energy into the Warriors’ gameplay. The former Titan showcased his skills by calling plays with authority, reflecting a sense of familiarity with the team’s dynamics despite his recent absence from first-grade matches.

The Warriors, now looking ahead to the remainder of the season, will rely heavily on Boyd’s contributions. With the playoffs approaching, his performance against the Wests Tigers serves as a promising indicator of what is to come. The team aims to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next challenge.

Overall, the Warriors’ victory highlighted Boyd’s readiness to embrace his new responsibilities, and fans are eager to see how he will continue to develop in this critical role.

New Zealand’s Junior All Blacks have secured a place in the final of the men’s Under-20 Rugby World Cup, defeating France 34-26 in a hard-fought semi-final match held in Viadana, Italy. This victory marks a significant achievement for the team, which aims to reclaim the title they last won in 2017.

The match began with New Zealand taking an early lead, going into halftime at 24-19. The Junior All Blacks showcased their offensive prowess with tries from Stanley Solomon, Mosese Bason, and Jack Wiseman. Despite their strong start, the team faced challenges in the second half, requiring them to focus on defense as France ramped up their efforts.

New Zealand’s task was made more difficult due to two yellow cards issued to their players. Both Jack Wiseman, who scored earlier in the game, and wing Frank Vaenuku were sidelined at critical moments, allowing France to capitalize on their absence and secure their fourth try.

In response to the pressure, the Junior All Blacks rallied, demonstrating their resilience. A powerful forward surge led to a crucial try by lock Aisake Vakasiuola, who touched down near the posts, helping to restore New Zealand’s advantage. With Rico Simpson contributing significantly by kicking four conversions and two penalties, the Junior All Blacks managed to maintain their lead until the final whistle.

“We talked about this game being our final,” said Dylan Pledger, the team’s halfback and vice-captain. “I think the boys played it like a final out there and now we’ve got one more game to go.”

As they prepare for the title match, the Junior All Blacks await the outcome of the other semi-final, where South Africa faces Argentina. New Zealand has a storied history in the Under-20 competition, having won the championship six times, and they will be eager to add another title to their impressive record.

The New Zealand men’s softball team, known as the Black Sox, has claimed a silver medal at the World Softball Championship held in Prince Albert, Canada. The team finished as runners-up after a 3-0 defeat to Venezuela in the final on March 10, 2024. This result marks a significant recovery from their eighth-place finish in the previous tournament in 2022.

The Black Sox’s performance in this year’s championship showcased a remarkable improvement, bringing them back onto the world stage. Head coach Thomas Makea expressed pride in the team’s journey, highlighting the growth they have achieved in just two years. “To go from eight to number two in the world in two years, that’s awesome,” he stated. Makea emphasized the talent within the squad, stating, “We had the players, we just had to grow them.”

A strong sense of whānau (family) was pivotal to the team’s success. The squad included four sets of brothers: Ben and Thomas Enoka, Cole and Rhys Evans, Reilly Makea and Dante Makea-Matakatea, and Cameron and Ben Watts. This familial connection extended to the coaching staff, which included former Black Sox champion Bevan Matene, who served as a kaitiaki (leader) for the team.

Despite the loss in the final, Matene reflected on the team’s achievements with pride. “We didn’t make it to the top of the mountain; we got silver rather than gold,” he remarked. He acknowledged the efforts of the players and praised Makea for his leadership. “I’m feeling quite sad, my heart aches for the team, but tomorrow the sun will rise again. The mana of the Black Sox will go on, and we’ll reach the top one day.”

Adding to the team’s depth was legendary pitcher Chubb Tangaroa, who returned as the pitching coach. Tangaroa, who gained Hall of Fame recognition for his contributions to the sport, provided invaluable knowledge and experience to the players. Makea noted the players felt the support and aroha (love) from fans both at the event and back home in New Zealand. “We really felt the mana coming through. I’ve seen massive growth in this team,” he explained.

Captain Cole Evans echoed his coach’s sentiments, emphasizing the team’s performance throughout the tournament. “The team really grew in confidence,” he said. Evans acknowledged that while they fell short in the final, the Black Sox’s rise in the world rankings reaffirmed their place among the elite in the sport. “There’s a great programme back home, some quality young kids coming through, and obviously some guys that have been around a long time are really quality, so the future looks pretty bright.”

This year’s silver medal not only restores the Black Sox’s reputation but also sets the stage for future aspirations in international softball. The team’s journey reflects a blend of talent, family ties, and a commitment to excellence, underscoring the enduring legacy of New Zealand softball on the global stage.