All Sport Breakfast Wellington

The Wellington Lions are boosted by the return of outside back Stanley Solomon for Saturday's round seven NPC match against Canterbury in Christchurch. Solomon returns from a hamstring injury suffered in club rugby, which followed his patient wait for a Super Rugby debut late in the Highlanders campaign. He joined Adam Cooper to discuss his year so far, and his return to the Lions side. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the men's Central League completed, Joe Serci from the Tackld Podcast reviews the season and looks ahead to the National League ahead of its start later in September. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wellington Lions are the only winless team at the halfway mark of rugby's NPC. Adam Cooper was joined by Wellington Rugby Union board chair Phil Holden who discussed the team's performances, and offered an insight into the union's financial woes. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwi WNBA star Charlisse Leger-Walker is returning to New Zealand’s Tauihi basketball competition. The Connecticut Sun guard will join the Wellington-based Tokomanawa Queens during the WNBA off-season, with the 12-week competition starting September 25. In April, Leger-Walker became the first New Zealander to be selected into the prestigious American competition when she was drafted as the 18th pick. Queens coach Tania Tupu joined Adam Cooper to discuss the significance of the signing. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cricket Wellington is deep in preparations to celebrate a significant milestone this summer - 150 years of cricket in the capital. A 150th Anniversary Banquet will be held at Parliament to mark the occasion, while other initiatives include large archive displays alongside the Basin Reserve's outside fence, and a special edition Blaze and Firebirds Super Smash playing kits acknowledging past players. Cricket Wellington CEO Todd Bryant joined Adam Cooper to chat through the celebrations, and the season ahead. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A special celebration for the Seatoun football club ahead of their final match of the 2026 Central League. The cub will celebrate the 22-year contribution of Annie Olsen, who made her debut in 2004, wearing the Seatoun shirt more than 200 times and scoring more than 137 goals. Correspondent Hannah Wignall has played alongside Olsen for most of this time, and joined Adam Cooper to outline the celebrations planned on Sunday. Hannah also looked back on the Central League for 2026. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington remains winless four rounds into the NPC rugby competition, and has conceded the highest number of points out of any team so far. The team's struggles come less than two years after the side's most recent title, in 2024. Wellington Rugby Union CEO Tony Giles joined Adam Cooper to discuss the team's performances. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025 finalists Pōneke return to the semifinal phase of New Zealand Rugby's Under 85kg National Club Cup, when hosting 2024 champions Pakuranga at Kilbirnie Park on Saturday. Adam Cooper caught up with Pōneke vice-captain Nathan Marsh to preview the match. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite just two competition points separating the top three sides, the men's Central League title has been all but secured by Napier City Rovers for 2026. Napier would need to lose to bottom placed FC Western in their final match on Saturday to give either Miramar Rangers or Olympic a slim chance of snatching the title. Adam Cooper previewed the final weekend of action with Joe Serci from the Tackld Podcast. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Having won NPC titles in 2022 and 2024, Wellington sits at the bottom of the ladder after three rounds of this year's season, having conceded 30 points or more in their three defeats.  Commentator Ross Bond has questioned why a range of unknown players from around the world have been brought into the Lions team, at the expense of high performing club rugby players.  Bond joined Adam Cooper to preview the Lions' round four match against Otago.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All Blacks captain Ardie Savea has declared his side ready for the four-test series against South Africa. Savea, who missed the warm-up games in order to rest, will lead his side onto Ellis Park tomorrow morning for the first test. Adam Cooper headed to Johannesburg to preview the test with match commentator Elliott Smith. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National League spots and Central League titles remain at stake heading into the penultimate weekend of men's and women's Central League football. Seatoun goalkeeper Alex Karantze joined Adam Cooper to preview the women's fixtures across the weekend. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

World-renowned smash burger expert George Motz is in the country, ready to bring a masterclass to this month's Wellington on a Plate festival. Motz has been a worldwide star of films, books and led university courses dedicated to the smash burger. Ahead of his event in Wellington, he joined Nick Mills in the Newstalk ZB Studio. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Politics Thursday this week, Nick Mills was joined in studio by Minister Paul Goldsmith and Labour MP Ayesha Verrall. They debated Labour's claims over tax policies, Chris Luxon's comments on Tiaki Wai, and how to solve the Aged Care crisis. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In their 40 seasons of the National Basketball League, the Wellington Saints have been involved in 21 Grand Finals. They'll again look to continue the legacy and champion the proud history of the club when meeting the Southland Sharks in the 2026 Grand Final in Invercargill on Sunday. It's a repeat of last year's victorious final for the Saints, which was staged on home court in Wellington, and, it's a bid for a record extending 14th title in the competition. The Saints have had another season of championing young local players to help them reach another final, but it's also been another year where the Saints have brought leading basketballers from around the world to Wellington and to the club. A major accolade for the club was handed out this week with import guard Elijah Pepper, one of Australia's leading basketballers, being named the league's Most Valuable Player. Pepper was also named as part of the league's All-Star Five. It follows some incredible scoring from him this year in the Saints singlet, averaging nearly 29 points across his 18 games - that's the highest average scoring in the league since 2019. Pepper caught up with Adam Cooper on his awards, as well as a look ahead to Sunday's final. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a week out from another major wrestling event in Wellington, as organisers prepare a night of family-friendly fun and entertainment, all in the name of arena wrestling. Arena wrestling returned to the capital last year for the first time in 35 years, providing an action-packed night to more than 1,000 spectators in Porirua. The event is returning for 2026 with All Star Wrestling: Porirua 2 at Te Rauparaha Arena on Saturday, August 15. Adam Cooper spoke to 7-foot tall 'Big Frank' - who's the current All Star Wrestling Champion, and is defending his title against an Australian opponent at the event LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington's team to meet Auckland in round two of rugby's NPC saw the surprise move by loose forward Du'Plessis Kirifi to the backline. Kirifi will start in the number 12 jersey in the wake of an availability crisis in the Lions midfield. Adam Cooper was joined by skipper Caleb Delany who discussed the shock selection, and his new role as team captain. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hannah Wignall joins Adam Cooper to preview the weekend's action in the women's Central League football competition. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Arena wrestling returned to Wellington last year for the first time in 35 years, providing an action-packed night of fun and entertainment to more than 1,000 spectators in Porirua. The event is returning for 2026 with All Star Wrestling 2: Porirua at Te Rauparaha Arena on Saturday, August 15. Organiser Paul Sayers joined Adam Cooper to discuss this year's event. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ahead of the weekend's Central League action, Adam catches up with Joe Serci from the Tackld Podcast. As well as discussing the weekend's action, they chat the recent FIFA World Cup and how the windfall could benefit the grassroots football scene, the new National League format starting in 2027, and the results of last week's Chatham Cup quarterfinals. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Commonwealth Games in Glasgow will be the second career marquee event for national 800m record holder James Preston, having made his Olympic debut at Paris in 2024. The Wellingtonian heads to his first Commonwealth Games after a coaching change last year, and battling vertigo during the summer domestic season. He spoke to Adam Cooper ahead of his arrival in Glasgow, a few days out from his heat race on Tuesday night. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Miramar Rangers are the sole Wellington team remaining in football's Chatham Cup, and have a trip down to Christchurch on Sunday to meet Cashmere Technical. Adam Cooper spoke to Miramar captain Brad Whitworth about the match, and whether the recent Football World Cup has triggered interest in the game at a local level. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ahead of the 2026 Jubilee Cup club rugby final, Adam Cooper previews the match with Petone coach Carne Green and Hutt Old Boys Marist captain Waylon Tuhuro-Robinson. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam Cooper is joined by Seatoun goalkeeper Alex Karantze to preview the weekend's action in the women's Central League football competition. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wellington Saints have three games left to improve on their current fourth placing ahead of the start of the NBL season. The final stretch starts with a home game against Tauranga in the capital on Saturday night. Saints and Tall Blacks forward Carlin Davison joined Adam Cooper to preview the game. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ireland returns to New Zealand for the first time since their shock 2022 series win over the All Blacks, to try and break their 52-match unbeaten run at Eden Park.  Ahead of kickoff between the two unbeaten Nations Championship sides, Adam Cooper put in a call to Dublin to catch up with staunch Irish rugby fan Mark Fitzgerald.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam Cooper is joined for his weekly football wrap by Joe Serci from the Tackld Podcast. They feature round 14 of the men's Central League, while also revisiting their World Cup predictions ahead of Monday's final. They also cast their eyes ahead to next week's Chatham Cup quarterfinals. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just 16 teams remain in football's 2026 Chatham Cup heading into the weekend's fourth round action. Joe Serci from the Tackld Podcast joined Adam Cooper to preview the two Wellington-based games. He also updated the state of the Central League, and he and Adam checked in on their pre-tournament Football World Cup predictions. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Hurricanes host the Chiefs in this year's Super Rugby final, ten years on from the franchise's last appearance when the 2016 team won its solitary title. One of the 2016 champions Victor Vito played his 100th match in their victorious final against the Lions. He joined Adam Cooper to reminisce on the triumph 10 years ago, and discuss a couple of his former teammates who remain key forces on and off the field for the current Hurricanes team. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Hurricanes appearing a Super Rugby final for the first time in 10 years will feel like a longtime coming for the side's fanbase. It's feeling extra special for super fan Andrew Grant, and his 10-year-old son Connor, who've travelled more than 17,000 kilometres to watch the Hurricanes in as many games as possible this season. They live in Auckland - but are die-hard Hurricanes fans - and have been to all the side's home games through their successful 2026 season, along with many others including the match against the Drua in Fiji. Andrew joined Adam to talk about their miles to see the team this year, and offer a score prediction for tonight. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New York Knicks hold a 3-1 series lead over the San Antonio Spurs in the 2026 NBA Finals and are just one win away from securing their first championship since 1973. Adam Cooper found out from correspondent Toby Kerr whether he thinks the Knicks will wrap it up in game five in Texas on Sunday NZT, or if San Antonio will force a sixth game. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The top-qualifying Hurricanes, and lucky loser Blues, meet in Wellington on Saturday night to determine who will meet the Chiefs in the Super Rugby Pacific final. With the Hurricanes highly favourited to advance, Adam Cooper caught up with co-captain Du'Plessis Kirifi on how they approach the contest. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ANZ Premiership enters its final round with three of the six teams unable to advance to the playoffs.  It means the Pulse, Stars, and Magic are preparing for their final matches not knowing what the future holds, given the competition does not yet have a television deal for next season.  Adam Cooper spoke to Pulse coach Anna Andrews-Tasola about their final match, and what she knows about the future.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ahead of round three of football's Chatham Cup, Adam Cooper previewed the weekend's action with Joe Serci from the Tackld podcast. They also updated the continued growth of All White Tim Payne's social media presence, and made some predictions for the World Cup. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025 championship-winning captain Hyrum Harris is returning to the Wellington Saints. Harris re-joins the NBL reigning champions for the rest of their title defence, after a season with the Kanazawa Sumuraiz in Japan. He joined Adam Cooper to discuss his return. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Hurricanes have flexed their muscles to begin the Super Rugby playoffs, thrashing the Brumbies 66-12 on a wet Wellington night. The playoffs' top qualifiers have stormed through to a home semifinal at Hnry Stadium next weekend. Adam Cooper was joined by Hurricanes assistant coach Bryn Evans to review last night's performance. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All Blacks prop Tyrel Lomax has extended his time with New Zealand Rugby for another three years. Despite reported overseas interest in the 48-test tighthead, Lomax has recommitted to the All Blacks, Hurricanes and Tasman to the end of 2029. With a World Cup next year, and Lions tour in 2029, the 30-year-old told Newstalk ZB's Adam Cooper he had no reason to up sticks. Lomax also discussed his recent frustrating run of injuries, taking to the field just twice since last September. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An under-strength Hurricanes team has been defeated 47-14 by the Crusaders to open Super Rugby's final round - a result that has no implications on the Hurricanes' top spot ahead of next week's playoffs. But the biggest talking point is the future of the Super Rugby's leading tryscorer Fehi Fineanganofo. The Hurricanes wing has signed to join Newcastle at the end of the season, but there is growing speculation in the UK that New Zealand Rugby may look to block his offshore move in a bid to keep the 23-year-old in New Zealand, and eligible for the All Blacks. Following the loss to the Crusaders, Adam was joined by Hurricanes assistant coach Brad Cooper. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a historic 2025, which included an appearance in football's National League for the first time, Petone FC have made an impressive start to 2026.  Petone top the women's Central League after eight rounds, with just one defeat to their name.  Their focus on the Kings Birthday long weekend now turns to round two of the national Kate Sheppard Cup, where Petone host Kapiti club Te Kotahitanga on Saturday.  Adam Cooper was joined by Petone's top goalscorer from the Central League this season, Chelsea Whittaker, who's netted seven goals.  Whittaker talked about the flourishing women's programme at Petone, and previews the Kate Sheppard Cup contest.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Round two of football's Chatham Cup features a mouth-watering contest between the two leading teams in the Central League, Wellington Olympic and Miramar Rangers. Joe Serci from the Tackld Podcast joins Adam Cooper with his thoughts on the weekend's action. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Planning has already begun for the Wellington Phoenix women's 2026-27 season, after the side fell short in its maiden grand final appearance last Saturday. Director of football Shaun Gill joined Adam Cooper to discuss recruitment, and the implications of the side's memorable season. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After the Crusaders' win over the Chiefs to open the penultimate round of Super Rugby, the Hurricanes need just two competition points in their final two matches to cement the top qualifying spot for the playoffs. They will also guarantee themselves top position with a win over the Highlanders in Wellington on Saturday. Adam Cooper was joined by Hurricanes co-captain Du'Plessis Kirifi ahead of the home match. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A milestone at the Hurricanes in Saturday's Super Rugby derby against the Blues in Auckland.  Cory Jane becomes the first person to both play and coach 100 matches for the franchise.  He speaks to Adam Cooper about his transition from player to coach, and how the Hurricanes are preparing for the business end of the season.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dozens of members of the Welington Phoenix fan group, Yellow Fever, have flown to Melbourne to support the team in the club's maiden A-League grand final. The Phoenix women meet Melbourne at AAMI Park on Saturday night. Adam Cooper spoke to Yellow Fever member Ethan Fransen about making the trip over, and how the team plans to cheer the Phoenix to a first trophy in its history. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wellington Phoenix women's side is one win away from securing the club's first silverware.  They meet Melbourne City in the A-League grand final on Saturday night.  The club has faced a number of challenges and tough on-field results since launching in 2021.  To look back on where it all started, Adam Cooper spoke to the Phoenix women's first signing, and the inaugural captain Lily Alfeld.  After retiring in 2023 due to injury, Alfeld is now the Phoenix's community and culture officer.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wellington Phoenix play for a first club A-League trophy when meeting Melbourne City in Saturday's A-League women's final. To preview the match, Adam Cooper caught up with Phoenix defender, American import Ellie Walker. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam Cooper is joined by Joe Serci from the Tackld Podcast looking ahead to the weekend's action in football's men's Central League.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wellington Phoenix women are in a do-or-die scenario to create club history and become the first club team, men's or women's, to make an A-League grand final. To achieve the feat, they must come from 2-1 down in the aggregate scoreline when hosting Brisbane in leg two of their semifinal in Porirua on Sunday. To preview the match, Adam Cooper spoke with Phoenix forward Lucía León. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An anomaly in Wellington club netball's Premier 1 grade this weekend, with teams Oriental Rongotai and St Mary's College squaring off.  Both teams have the same coach – Pelesa Semu.  Semu has been a stalwart of the Wellington netball scene for many years and has recently been awarded a Netball New Zealand Service Award for her dedication.  She joined Adam Cooper to chat about the interesting scenario of coaching the same two teams in a match, and how the sport of netball is in Wellington at the moment.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following a chaotic and unpredictable first round of the NBA playoffs, early games in the second round suggest more one-sided matchups, but for how long?  With eight teams left, Adam Cooper heads to Vancouver to chat to correspondent Toby Kerr with his thoughts on the playoffs so far, and the predictions as the playoffs progress.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.