England did win the Women’s Rugby World Cup, and the Black Ferns did dip out in the semifinals. The Otago Sparks indeed won the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield (in highly dramatic fashion) but were pipped in the Super Smash women’s final. Plunket Shield champions were Northern (not CD), Ford Trophy champions were Canterbury (not Auckland) and Super Smash men’s champions were CD (not Otago). 11 The Kiwis will shock the Kangaroos in the Rugby League World Cup men’s final. 12 Spain will beat England in the World Cup final.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 10, 2026 21:32 UTC