Will Toogood is Online Sport Editor for the New Zealand Herald.
We are your advocate, Aotearoa. Uncovering stories that matter, asking hard-hitting questions of those in power, live-blogging sport events, monitoring the highs and lows of the NZX and providing Premium expert opinion and analysis. Bringing you distinctive, quality journalism and breaking news from across New Zealand and around the world. With specialists working together to create indepth reads, engaging video, and unmissable podcasts.
![Fox rockets 38 places up leaderboard with strong second round](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Fox rockets 38 places up leaderboard with strong second round
It was a much-needed bounce back for the Kiwi in round two at Detroit.
![More than a logo, more than a name: One NZ, Warriors celebrate 25 years](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
More than a logo, more than a name: One NZ, Warriors celebrate 25 years
"Its about teammates and mateship and having each other’s back."
![Warriors suffer another Johnson injury blow](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Warriors suffer another Johnson injury blow
It doesn't get any easier for coach Andrew Webster.
![First look: All Blacks, Black Ferns jerseys under single design for first time](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
First look: All Blacks, Black Ferns jerseys under single design for first time
There are a couple of firsts in the release of the new jerseys.
![How Connor Garden-Bachop will be remembered this weekend](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
How Connor Garden-Bachop will be remembered this weekend
The rugby player and young father died following a medical event this week.
![Fox makes US Open cut as big names miss out](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Fox makes US Open cut as big names miss out
Ryan Fox has achieved what some tournament favourites could not.
![Why Black Caps didn't play T20 World Cup warm-up matches](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Why Black Caps didn't play T20 World Cup warm-up matches
'We have to run that risk, we knew that a couple of months ago.'
![Wellington's oldest rugby club snaps 1085-day winless streak](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Wellington's oldest rugby club snaps 1085-day winless streak
'It’s the monkey off the back and people have said hopefully the shackles are off now.'
![Why Warriors would walk away from table in Vegas](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Why Warriors would walk away from table in Vegas
'There’s a big chance, but admittedly we're not confirmed.'
!['A bitter blow': Bridges rues Barcelona's billion-dollar AmCup gain](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
'A bitter blow': Bridges rues Barcelona's billion-dollar AmCup gain
Simon Bridges says central and local governments need to work better together.
![Former NZ Olympian suffers broken neck in showjumping event](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Former NZ Olympian suffers broken neck in showjumping event
'He’s very strong, being an Olympian, strong mentally.'
!['Feels like it's not real': Devastated Sam Cane reflects on World Cup red card](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
'Feels like it's not real': Devastated Sam Cane reflects on World Cup red card
'Even now just saying those words... I just feel the tension.'
![How AI can bolster Warrriors' coaching arsenal](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
How AI can bolster Warrriors' coaching arsenal
"It gives a greater level of insight than we’ve ever had before."
![The unexpected golf mecca that is Tasmania](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
The unexpected golf mecca that is Tasmania
Home to four of the top-ranked golf courses in the world.
![Auckland FC unveil new signings ahead of inaugural season](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Auckland FC unveil new signings ahead of inaugural season
The Auckland A-League club's story has another milestone.
!['Evidence of chaos': NZR governance review author on provincial unions](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
'Evidence of chaos': NZR governance review author on provincial unions
David Pilkington disputes that the unions' proposal differs slightly from the findings.
![The staggering cost of South Canterbury's Ranfurly Shield challenge](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
The staggering cost of South Canterbury's Ranfurly Shield challenge
It would have been the third successive challenge for South Canterbury.
!['Absolute split': Sir John Kirwan fears for state of rugby over governance threat](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
'Absolute split': Sir John Kirwan fears for state of rugby over governance threat
'Some of these chairmen, they’re just holding the game a wee bit to ransom.'
![First look: Inside Auckland's Wynyard Point stadium proposal](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
First look: Inside Auckland's Wynyard Point stadium proposal
The final horse in the Auckland stadium race has been revealed.
![School principal delivers viral speech after Warriors' upset win](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
School principal delivers viral speech after Warriors' upset win
'They never gave up, they played with heart and they won the game.'
![All you need to know about the Phoenix's first semifinal](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
All you need to know about the Phoenix's first semifinal
Kickoff time, expert predictions and odds ahead of the first-leg clash at AAMI Park.
![Welcome to Tasmania: Like New Zealand, but (arguably) better](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Welcome to Tasmania: Like New Zealand, but (arguably) better
If you like New Zealand, you'll love Tasmania.
!['Congrats, you're in the PGA': Young Kiwi set to make golf major debut](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
'Congrats, you're in the PGA': Young Kiwi set to make golf major debut
'We’re going into the deep end so let’s do it.'
![The science of a sports bar: Dos and don'ts of the ultimate experience](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
The science of a sports bar: Dos and don'ts of the ultimate experience
Bricks and mortar can only take you so far in the hospitality game.
![Arm wrestler's journey from stroke, to heartbreak and on to champion status](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Arm wrestler's journey from stroke, to heartbreak and on to champion status
Ashley Hoeta-Williamson's story is motion picture worthy.
!['Part of the game': Ex-ABs doc dismisses NRL kickoff ban claims](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
'Part of the game': Ex-ABs doc dismisses NRL kickoff ban claims
A debate has broken out over an Anzac Weekend incident in the NRL.
![Ryan Fox and partner leap 23 places to take top-five finish](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Ryan Fox and partner leap 23 places to take top-five finish
Fox hopes to take this momentum forward for the rest of the year.
![Legal or lawless? Debate rages over monster Super Rugby hit](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Legal or lawless? Debate rages over monster Super Rugby hit
Samipeni Finau has made his presence known again.
![Even par in 30 mins: Kiwi sets unofficial golf world record](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Even par in 30 mins: Kiwi sets unofficial golf world record
Could you play a round of golf in half an hour while shooting even par?
![Pinot Wahs: How Warriors' latest fan group started](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Pinot Wahs: How Warriors' latest fan group started
It's the latest sub-genre of Warriors fandom.
![Warriors confirm signing of powerhouse NRL forward](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Warriors confirm signing of powerhouse NRL forward
A bombshell signing has been dropped by the club.
!['No reason' Manu can't have same success as SBW - Hansen](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
'No reason' Manu can't have same success as SBW - Hansen
'It’s no different to what we did with Sonny.'
![Japanese club secure huge coup in signing Kiwis fullback](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Japanese club secure huge coup in signing Kiwis fullback
Toyota Verblitz announced two blockbuster acquisitions.
!['One of the hardest days I've had': Fox weathers back nine storm at Masters](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
'One of the hardest days I've had': Fox weathers back nine storm at Masters
'It’s been a pretty rough ride lately and I tried to enjoy it as much as I could.'
![Too few races, not enough stars: How Supercars ran out of gas](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Too few races, not enough stars: How Supercars ran out of gas
'I don't think Supercars is handling any of their situations particularly well.'
![Golf participation soars, but can NZ sustain the boom?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Golf participation soars, but can NZ sustain the boom?
More than 200,000 casual golfers took to the course in February this year.
![Ryan Fox hangs tough with six-shot turnaround to stay with pack](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Ryan Fox hangs tough with six-shot turnaround to stay with pack
Kiwi golfer shows that golf is as much a mental game as it is physical.
![Best call-out ever? Parker invites former opponent to rematch in hilarious video](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Best call-out ever? Parker invites former opponent to rematch in hilarious video
The clip has already amassed more than a million views.
![All Whites lose shootout after missing earlier penalty](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
All Whites lose shootout after missing earlier penalty
New Zealand had their chances against Tunisia.
!['Vehicle to express ourselves': Poua haka backed by All Black](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
'Vehicle to express ourselves': Poua haka backed by All Black
A Rugby World Cup-winning All Black has voiced support for haka as a means of expression.
![Is the Auckland FC kit better than the Phoenix?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Is the Auckland FC kit better than the Phoenix?
The first match in the rivalry takes place in the theatre of fashion rather than football.
![How a Kiwi tennis star came to give half his winnings to charity](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
How a Kiwi tennis star came to give half his winnings to charity
“If you’re going to give, it makes sense to do as much good as possible."
![Auckland A-Leagues franchise reveals name, kit and crest](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Auckland A-Leagues franchise reveals name, kit and crest
Auckland football fans, the wait is over.
![Giant slayer! Parker claims heavyweight title with sensational victory](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Giant slayer! Parker claims heavyweight title with sensational victory
All the action out of Saudi Arabia.
!['Justice for the underarm': Kiwi shooters clinch Olympic spot after Aussie blunder](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
'Justice for the underarm': Kiwi shooters clinch Olympic spot after Aussie blunder
New Zealand gets one over our Australian cousins in the sporting arena.
!['Nothing's fixed': Warriors coach explains selections, maintains spots up for grabs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
'Nothing's fixed': Warriors coach explains selections, maintains spots up for grabs
Andrew Webster says players must perform in training and matches.
![Returning Warrior not named in round one team list](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Returning Warrior not named in round one team list
The first Warriors team list of 2024 is upon us.
![Report: All Black suffers major injury setback in Japan](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Report: All Black suffers major injury setback in Japan
The report out of Japan does not bode well for All Blacks or Suntory fans.
![NZ Open: Japanese golfer claims maiden title at Millbrook](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
NZ Open: Japanese golfer claims maiden title at Millbrook
The land of the rising sun has a name on the New Zealand Open trophy.
![NZ Open: Kiwi in hunt to end drought, Aussie pair top leaderboard](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
NZ Open: Kiwi in hunt to end drought, Aussie pair top leaderboard
Australians Matthew Griffin and Scott Hend sit atop the New Zealand Open leaderboard.
!['Going to full send it': World no. 4172 not letting NZ Open contention faze him](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
'Going to full send it': World no. 4172 not letting NZ Open contention faze him
Jimmy Hydes is using the occasion to his advantage, rather than shying away from it.
![NZ Open: Kiwis in the hunt but big names miss cut](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
NZ Open: Kiwis in the hunt but big names miss cut
It wasn't all sunny for the Kiwis on day two of the competition.
![Kiwi star born in 2006 in hunt for NZ Open title](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Kiwi star born in 2006 in hunt for NZ Open title
At age 18, amateur Zack Swanwick could easily be mistaken for a seasoned pro.
![NZ Open: Kiwi sinks huge eagle putt to surge up leaderboard](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
NZ Open: Kiwi sinks huge eagle putt to surge up leaderboard
A Queenstown local has made a stunning final putt on the 18th green.
![The Kiwi who reminds Alker of a young Tiger Woods](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
The Kiwi who reminds Alker of a young Tiger Woods
High praise has come from one of New Zealand's best for one of its brightest.
!['Emotions started to hit': Ex-champ opens up on NZ Open return after cancer battle](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
'Emotions started to hit': Ex-champ opens up on NZ Open return after cancer battle
A leukaemia diagnosis last year sent Michael Hendry's world 'crashing down'.
![NZ Open: Low expectations and South African prep key for 'Caps legend](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
NZ Open: Low expectations and South African prep key for 'Caps legend
Stephen Fleming remains calm before the Millbrook event.
![NZ Open: How beating Cam Smith will fuel local talent's title bid](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
NZ Open: How beating Cam Smith will fuel local talent's title bid
Third time will hopefully be the charm for Ben Campbell.
![Stroke of fortune: Amateur golfer wins prize of a lifetime](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Stroke of fortune: Amateur golfer wins prize of a lifetime
A remarkable coincidence leads to new member of NZ Open field.
![Vancouver Sevens: All Blacks go down in final after Ferns title](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Vancouver Sevens: All Blacks go down in final after Ferns title
A Kiwi clean-sweep wasn't to be in Vancouver.
![Young star Kobori gunning for tour spot at NZ Open](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Young star Kobori gunning for tour spot at NZ Open
"Right now, I’m trying to get to that No 1 spot," the 22-year-old says.
![Warriors' injury blow opens possibility of RTS fullback return](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Warriors' injury blow opens possibility of RTS fullback return
'I’m hoping we don’t have to because that means everyone’s fit.'
![HPSNZ to appeal decision ruling they must bargain with athletes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
HPSNZ to appeal decision ruling they must bargain with athletes
The government agency believes the ruling was 'wrong in law'.
![Super Rugby Pacific: Reasons to worry, be optimistic and what to look out for if you’re a Hurricanes fan](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Super Rugby Pacific: Reasons to worry, be optimistic and what to look out for if you’re a Hurricanes fan
Do Hurricanes fans have a reason to fret?
!['How did I get here?': The fortnight that changed Ethan Roots' life](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
'How did I get here?': The fortnight that changed Ethan Roots' life
'F****** hell, that's really happened, the last two weeks actually happened.'
![Best of the Blues: Selecting the best Super Rugby XV of all time](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Best of the Blues: Selecting the best Super Rugby XV of all time
Selecting the best from the Blues.
![Every Warriors Heritage jersey ever, ranked](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Every Warriors Heritage jersey ever, ranked
Where does the latest jersey stack up against the other editions over the years?
![61st Halberg Awards: Dame Lisa Carrington takes out Supreme, Warriors scoop moment](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
61st Halberg Awards: Dame Lisa Carrington takes out Supreme, Warriors scoop moment
All the action from Wednesday's awards at Spark Arena in Auckland.
![When Kane Williamson made a century batting at No 8: Tales from his first coach](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
When Kane Williamson made a century batting at No 8: Tales from his first coach
'That’s just the mark of the boy back then at the age of 12 - and nothing’s changed.'
![The life cycle of a rugby jersey: How forgotten treasures travel the world and back](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
The life cycle of a rugby jersey: How forgotten treasures travel the world and back
If these jerseys could talk.
![Decision reviewed: ICC corrects NZ cricket icons' Hall of Fame listings](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Decision reviewed: ICC corrects NZ cricket icons' Hall of Fame listings
The DRS has done its job at ICC HQ.
![How Ryan Fox plans to take on ‘loudest hole in golf’](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
How Ryan Fox plans to take on ‘loudest hole in golf’
The 16th at TPC Scottsdale presents a unique challenge.
![ICC commits ultimate sin in Hall of Fame blunder of NZ icons](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
ICC commits ultimate sin in Hall of Fame blunder of NZ icons
The ICC has made some glaring errors in its Hall of Fame list.
![Stalemate sees Phoenix remain top of A-League](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Stalemate sees Phoenix remain top of A-League
The Nix may feel they missed a chance to stake a serious title claim.
!['We're never going to be congratulated': O'Keeffe on referee criticism](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
'We're never going to be congratulated': O'Keeffe on referee criticism
"If that’s our expectation as a referee I think we’re in the wrong business.”
!['Let them come': Warriors coach expects rivals to give them their best](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
'Let them come': Warriors coach expects rivals to give them their best
Andrew Webster expects the team's NRL rivals to throw everything they've got at them.