Sports fans know about the phenomenal exploits of Brendon McCullum, Lydia Ko and the All Blacks this year. Michael Burgess looks back at 10 other feel-good sports stories that captured the imagination in 2014.

The small but perfectly formed NFL season is a classic example of how to turn less into more. Much more. It's a lesson some of our major sports codes would do well to imitate.

After a strong season in which they retained their No 1 world ranking, the All Blacks unsurprisingly dominate the 2014 Steinlager Rugby Awards nominations.

Dan Pryor is from Maori rugby royalty and so his elevation to the Maori All Blacks means a lot to him.

Not since 1980 with Manawatu has a union outside the "big five" won the national provincial championship top title.

Over the years, rugby's national provincial championship has come in for plenty of criticism.

Manawatu will be playing for one of their longest-serving stalwarts when they contest next weekend's ITM Cup Championship final.

The Magpies are into their third ITM Cup Championship final in four seasons, though nothing came easy for them in this gnarly first semifinal.

Auckland may not have to go with three openside flankers after all for their ITM Cup Premiership semifinal clash against Taranaki on Saturday.

Hawke’s Bay retained the Ranfurly Shield with the draw but only courtesy of a last minute dropped goal from Ihaia West who, straight out in front and with a penalty advantage looming, took aim and fired to make it 20-20.

After nine rounds of winless rugby, Wellington rugby fans finally have something to cheer about.

With knocking knees and tears in her eyes, Ruth Jamieson accepted Sam Gilchrist's romantic proposal, as the crowd whistled and clapped.

Manawatu cemented themselves as favourites for promotion from the ITM Cup Championship after a 38-25 victory over Otago tonight.

Waikato ended a forgetful ITM Cup season on a positive note last night, beating Bay of Plenty 29-12 to consign the Steamers to the competition's wooden spoon.

League star Willie Mason was banned from making a media appearance at Sonny Bill Williams' debut ITM Cup match for Counties Manukau in Pukekohe last night.

Sonny Bill Williams will return to rugby off the bench tonight as opponents Auckland seek to halt the Steelers' late ITM Cup Premiership semifinal run in Pukekohe.