Latest news with #AllBlack

All Blacks midfielder re-commits to NZ Rugby, confirms sabbatical

1News

9 hours ago

Sport
1News

All Blacks midfielder re-commits to NZ Rugby, confirms sabbatical

All Blacks midfielder Anton Lienert-Brown has extended his contract with New Zealand Rugby through to the end of 2028 and has confirmed he will take a sabbatical in Japan next year. Lienert-Brown, who has played 86 Tests and scored a try in the recent win over France in Hamilton, said this year had been a tough one due to injuries and he was pleased to secure his short-term future. A broken collarbone suffered while playing for the Chiefs in Super Rugby Pacific meant he was out of the game for nearly three months – his comeback match was a start for the All Blacks in their 29-19 victory over France in the third Test. "I'm excited to re-commit to New Zealand Rugby through to 2028," Lienert-Brown, 30, said in a statement. "This year's been frustrating with injuries outside of my control but pulling on the black jersey again last Saturday reminded me just how special this journey really is." ADVERTISEMENT As revealed by 1News in April, Lienert-Brown will activate a sabbatical clause in his contract and play for Kobe Steelers next year. Fellow senior All Black Ardie Savea, who captained the team in the absence of Scott Barrett during the past two Tests, has since announced he will also play a sabbatical season at Kobe next year alongside former All Black Brodie Retallick. Anton Lienert-Brown scores a crucial try for the All Blacks before halftime against France. (Source: Photosport) Leinert-Brown and Savea will return to New Zealand in time to be available for next July's home internationals. Fellow midfielder or wing Rieko Ioane will also take a sabbatical next year to play for Leinster with a view to returning in time to play for the All Blacks. All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson said: "Anton is a true professional and a player who embodies the values of the All Blacks jersey. "His experience, composure, and clarity in the midfield are hugely valuable. He's overcome injury setbacks in recent years and has shown real resilience. We're thrilled to have him locked in through to 2028. The experience he'll gain in Japan will only enhance his game and leadership." ADVERTISEMENT Robertson will hope Lienert-Brown returns with the same sort of form as Jordie Barrett after the midfielder's own recent sabbatical at Leinster in Ireland. NZR general manager professional rugby and performance Chris Lendrum said: 'Anton's loyalty, work ethic and consistency have been hallmarks of his career at every level and we are delighted he has chosen to extend through to a potential third Rugby World Cup campaign." Chiefs head coach Jono Gibbes said: "Anton is a massive asset to the Gallagher Chiefs, and this sabbatical is a great opportunity for him to experience a different rugby environment and learn from a new playing style. I look forward to seeing how this experience shapes him as a player and what he brings back to the team."

Legendary in fists journey – the life of White Buffalo

The Citizen

20 hours ago

Entertainment
The Citizen

Legendary in fists journey – the life of White Buffalo

Francois Botha (56), well-known as 'The White Buffalo', a South African fighter from the streets of the City of Coal, is back, not in the ring, but deeply involved in the sport he loves so much. He started doing wonders in the ring in 1990. He secured two titles that led to his international recognition. He stepped out of South Africa to enter the bigger arenas around the world. He had bigger dreams that led him to leave for the United States, knowing there were fewer rules on fights and much more prize money to be won. His biggest moment came in 1995, when he faced Axel Schulz for the IBF Heavyweight World Title. The White Buffalo fought with everything he had. When the final bell rang, he was the new world champion. It was a dream come true, a huge moment for him and South African boxing. But this great victory also brought a tough challenge. Soon after, he lost the title because of a failed drug test, which was a very difficult time in his career. But if there's one thing you know about The White Buffalo, it's that he never gives up. Even after losing his title, he proved his courage by stepping into the ring with some of the biggest names in boxing history. His total professional record shows just how much he fought – 63 fights, winning 48 of them, with 29 of those wins coming by knockout. He battled other fighters and former champions like Michael Moorer in 2000, including the living legend Evander Holyfield in 2002. He also battled Lennox Lewis in 2000 for the unified heavyweight title. But perhaps his highly remarkable fight was in 1999, when he faced off against Mike Tyson. In his 40s, The White Buffalo jumped into the world of kickboxing, and he had a kickboxing match against the 27-year-old All Black rugby star, Sonny Bill Williams, at 44. 'It was not easy, but the rewards the world can see! God is great! This all started as a young boy from eMalahleni at the Blesbok Park boxing gym,' The White Buffalo said. 'Buffalo is semi-retired as I'm in negotiations for one more, to become the oldest Heavyweight Champion in history,' Botha added. The legendary boxer is now back in South Africa. The White Buffalo's journey in the boxing ring, and later in other combat sports, is a wild ride full of powerful punches, big wins, unforgettable moments, and a spirit that just never gives up. Breaking news at your fingertips … Follow WITBANK NEWS on our website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or TikTok Chat to us: [email protected] At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!