Sone Aupiu’s Unlikely Path from Rugby Roots to Aggies Gridiron and Beyond
From New Zealand rugger to Aggies defense, Sone Aupiu blends two codes in a rare athletic journey.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning New Zealand across Soccer, Basketball, Football.
From New Zealand rugger to Aggies defense, Sone Aupiu blends two codes in a rare athletic journey.

A former middle school football coach and PE teacher, Noel Johnson remains active in sports, travel, and community mentorship, inspiring generations with his relentless drive.

Rienk Mast, a standout from Nebraska's recent Sweet 16 run, has been named to the Netherlands roster for the 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifiers, joining three other Huskers who will fly the flag for Australia, Iceland and New Zealand.

Ireland has named a 20‑player roster for the upcoming 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup in Belgium, a squad that blends debutants with seasoned leaders as the team eyes a top‑two finish in a competitive pool.

At just 17, Reese D’Ariano is set to make her senior World Cup debut, joining a historic U.S. squad that last qualified in 2018. Her journey from a backyard stick to the international stage is marked by record‑breaking performances and a supportive family.

In his first competitive match since the 2026 World Cup, Tim Payne netted a stunning one‑touch goal for Club Olimpia, sparking a 3‑0 victory and raising hopes for upcoming friendlies in India.

The versatile forward, known for his defensive intensity and rebounding, moves to the New Zealand Breakers after stints in the G‑League and Israel.

The two Premier League sides will face off in Sydney on Saturday, with streaming options across continents and a packed schedule of warm‑up matches before the new season begins.

With 17 newcomers, including New Zealand’s Jasmine Barney, and the return of sophomore Rachel Kretzer, SEMO aims to capitalize on enhanced summer training, deeper goalkeeper options and a revised schedule to avoid last year’s winless stretch.

Siena College’s men’s basketball program is poised for a breakthrough season, driven by coach Nevada Smith’s optimism, a revamped up‑tempo offense, and a roster enriched by global talent.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has selected a mix of youth and experience for their pre‑season friendly against Sydney FC in Australia, managing fatigue and injuries while giving emerging players a chance to shine.

The 2026 World Cup highlights the growing role of NCAA programs in developing world‑class players, with numerous national teams basing their campaigns on college campuses and showcasing alumni who have risen from walk‑on beginnings to international stardom.

A former University of Kansas basketball player, Lagerald Vick, has been arrested and charged with attempted first-degree murder after allegedly opening fire during a holiday gathering in Memphis. The victim identified Vick in a police lineup, and the case has drawn attention to the player's professional trajectory, including stints with the Southland Sharks in New Zealand.

A former University of Kansas basketball player was arrested after allegedly shooting a guest during a holiday party, with the victim later identifying him in a police lineup.

A former Kansas University basketball player was arrested after a July 4th party shooting in Memphis. The victim identified him from a photo lineup, and he now faces a $1.5 million bond amid a history of legal troubles.

The latest analytical tool in professional hockey, dubbed True Value, is gaining traction among statisticians and front offices alike. By re‑examining how goals, assists and ice time are weighted, the metric promises a more equitable comparison of players across the NHL.

A former University of Kansas basketball player is accused of shooting a man during a heated dispute at his Memphis home, raising questions about his future in the sport and the legal repercussions that follow.

The Badgers have confirmed a single open scholarship for the 2026‑27 season and are scouting internationally while navigating NCAA eligibility uncertainties.

After mutually agreeing to terminate her contract, Gotham FC’s all‑time leading scorer Esther González will step away from professional soccer to be with her growing family, ending a three‑year stint that delivered two championships and a legacy of 33 goals.
A group of women aged 72 to 81, founded by Dawn Cole, continues to compete internationally while fostering community outreach and lifelong friendships.

Riley Mulvey, a former Siena University basketball player, has signed professionally with BKM Lučenec in Slovakia, viewing the move as the first step toward a potential career in Japan. He praises new Siena teammates and expresses optimism for the program under new coach Nevada Smith.

Gary Gold argues that basketball players possess the transition, footwork and spatial awareness needed for rugby, suggesting a strategic shift to broaden the talent pool ahead of home World Cups in 2031 and 2033.

Southland’s Benji Culhane prepares for the European leg of the World Cup, reflecting on a career pivot sparked by a cricket withdrawal and his drive to give back to his roots.

Scotland's men's 3x3 basketball team lost 21-13 to New Zealand, slipping to third in Pool A, while their wheelchair counterparts lead their divisions.