MAY
13
Former Blackcaps captain Brendon McCullum confirmed as new England test coach
Former Blackcaps captain Brendon McCullum has been appointed as England's test coach.
McCullum, 40, will take charge of the side, which have won just one of their last 17 tests, replacing Chris Silverwood, who was sacked, after England's 4-0 Ashes series defeat to Australia.
The 101-test veteran is currently coach of Kolkata Knight Riders, but will leave after this Indian Premier League season to begin as England coach.
McCullum's first series will be against his former side New Zealand, starting at Lord's on June 2.
20
Highlanders halfback Folau Fakatava cleared to play for All Blacks
Highlanders halfback Folau Fakatava has been cleared to play for the All Blacks, after NZ Rugby's application to World Rugby was approved.
Fakatava was previously eligible to play for the All Blacks, but a new five-year residential rule introduced by World Rugby this year, increased from just three years, meant he was unavailable for selection.
"NZ Rugby has had confirmation from World Rugby that Folau Fakatava's application for eligibility to represent New Zealand in rugby has been approved," said NZ Rugby professional rugby and performance general manager Chris Lendrum.
"His approval confirms he is eligible for selection for New Zealand’s national teams in 2022 and beyond."
20
NZ Warriors prop Matt Lodge leaves club after immediate release from contract
NZ Warriors prop Matt Lodge is leaving the NRL club immediately, after being granted a release from the rest of his contract.
Lodge played just 14 games for the Warriors, with last week's loss to South Sydney Rabbitohs now his last for the club.
"Matt told us a while ago that for professional and personal reasons he couldn't commit to a long-term future in New Zealand, when we return home for next season," said Warriors chief executive Cameron George.
"The opportunity for him to leave now allows us to move forward with our future planning and to develop our younger players."
22
Beauden Barrett lands last-gasp drop goal as Blues beat Brumbies to equal record winning streak
Beauden Barrett has slotted a drop kick after the final hooter to hand the Blues an unlikely 21-19 win over the Brumbies in their Super Rugby Pacific clash at Canberra's GIO Stadium.
The victory was the Blues' 12th in succession this season, equalling the 1997 side's record for most consecutive victories by the team.
What's more, the Blues' win also sees them seal first place in the Super Rugby regular season and will conceivably give them home advantage at Eden Park for the entire playoffs.
The Brumbies looked certain to close out the victory, but a sensational passage of play among the Blues backs gave the first-five the opportunity to seal a famous victory in Canberra.
30
Former Wellington Phoenix captain Ulises Davila's wife Lily dies suddenly
Former Wellington Phoenix star Ulises Davila's wife, Lily Pacheco, has died suddenly overnight.
Davila's current A-League club Macarthur FC announced the tragic news. The couple had a two-year-old son, Uli Jnr, born during his stint with the Phoenix.
The cause of death hasn't been made public.
"The Wellington Phoenix are saddened to hear the news that Ulises Dávila’s wife Lily has passed away," the Phoenix tweeted. "Uli & his whānau will always be a part of ours.
"We would like to send our deepest condolences to Uli & his family during this tough time. Kia kaha."