Veteran Ross Taylor has claimed the top honour on the final day of the New Zealand Cricket Awards, winning the prestigious Sir Richard Hadlee Medal for the third time

The virtual ceremony also saw Canterbury umpire Kim Cotton'recognised with the Umpire of the Year award, with Tim Southee judged Test Player of the Year.

New Zealand Football's standing by their decision to remove Des Buckingham as coach of their under-23 men's side.

Having qualified the team for the Olympics, Buckingham now won't take the reins at next year's rescheduled event as his contract expires this August.

All Whites coach Danny Hay will coach the side instead.

CEO Andrew Pragnell knows many will see that as harsh on Buckingham.

Covid-19 is being seen as a yellow card rather than a red one for women's rugby around the world.

General Manager for Women's Rugby at World Rugby, Katie Sadlier, says the game has accelerated in growth since the Olympics.

She says although Coronavirus has created issues, it doesn't change their long term thinking.