Sports

Super Rugby Pacific’s tight race intensifies with two rounds to go

Published

8 months ago

May 22, 2025

With only two rounds left in the Super Rugby Pacific regular season, fans are buzzing about which teams will make it to the playoffs.

This year has been a close competition, with only six spots in the finals and a tight race for the top positions.

The Brumbies, Chiefs, and Crusaders have pulled ahead and are currently leading the pack.

Let’s break down the potential scenarios for the finals, looking at which teams are safe, which are in danger of missing out, and who still has a chance:

Out of the running: Fijian Drua and Western Force

The Fijian Drua and Western Force are officially out of the finals race, as they are too far behind sixth-placed Moana Pasifika. They have byes this weekend and next.

In the hunt

Highlanders (19 points)

Next matches: Crusaders (away), Chiefs (home)

Best possible finish: Sixth place

Even though they sit at the bottom of the standings, the Highlanders still have a mathematical shot at the playoffs, but it won’t be easy.

Timoci Tavatavanawai charges ahead for the Highlanders against the Hurricanes in Wellington on 16 May 2025. The Hurricanes won 24-20. Photo/Photosport

They need to win their next two matches with bonus points and hope that Moana Pasifika lose their upcoming games against the Chiefs and the Hurricanes.

They will also need the Force to beat the Waratahs, and then the Waratahs to defeat the Blues in the final round and hope that the defending champions from Auckland will not pick up a losing bonus point.

Waratahs (22 points)

Next matches: Force (away), Blues (away)

Best possible finish: Sixth place

Despite their current struggles, the Waratahs can still qualify for the finals. They must win both remaining matches against the Force and the Blues while getting help from other teams.

If they win, they hope for favourable outcomes in matches involving the Reds, Hurricanes, and Moana Pasifika.

The Blues, led by captain Patrick Tuipulotu, will be hoping for a better outing in their next game after their shock 27-21 defeat to Moana Pasifika last weekend. Photo/Photosport

Blues (28 points)

Next matches: Bye, Waratahs (home)

Best possible finish: Fifth place

The Blues have a clearer path to the finals. They hope for a bye this weekend, followed by a victory over the Waratahs in their last game. If things go their way in other matches, they could end up in fifth or possibly higher.

Moana Pasifika (28 points)

Next matches: Chiefs (away), Hurricanes (away)

Best possible finish: Fourth place

Moana Pasifika have done well to reach sixth place, but face tough matches ahead. They must win both upcoming games against the Chiefs and Hurricanes and hope for favourable results in other matches to earn their first playoff spot. They will be keeping an eye on the Reds-Hurricanes clash this weekend. A draw or Reds’ win would be ideal for Tana Umaga’s men; they would climb to fifth combined with a Moana win over the Chiefs. Moana will make their maiden finals appearance if they defeat the Hurricanes in Wellington and the Blues lose to the Waratahs. With two Moana wins, if the Reds lose to the Drua in Brisbane, Moana Pasifika could climb as high as fourth on points differential.

Super Rugby Player of the Year 2025: Moana Pasifika captain Ardie Savea against the Fijian Drua, will lead his side against the Chiefs in Hamilton on Saturday. Photo/Photosport

Hurricanes (30 points)

Next matches: Reds (away), Moana Pasifika (home)

Best possible finish: 4th

For the Hurricanes, things are looking more straightforward. Winning both their last matches will secure them fourth place. If they lose one but win the other, they still have a strong chance of making the finals, depending on the outcomes of several other matches.

Reds (32 points)

Next matches: Hurricanes (home, Drua (home)

Best possible finish: Second place

The Reds are in a strong position, aiming for the second final spot. They are looking to win their remaining matches to secure their place in the playoffs and potentially improve their position.

Crusaders winger Sevu Reece and his team-mates celebrate their win over the defending champions Blues in Christchurch on 18 April 2025. Photo/Photosport

Finals confirmed

Crusaders (41 points)

Next matches: Highlanders (h), Brumbies (away)

Best possible finish: First place

The race for the top three spots is close, with the Crusaders and Chiefs likely to move up past the Brumbies, who will have a break this weekend.

To secure first place, the Crusaders must win all their remaining games. They also hope the Chiefs will stumble against Moana Pasifika or the Highlanders. If the Crusaders lose to the Brumbies but beat the Highlanders, their final position will depend on how the Chiefs perform in their matches. Even in the worst-case scenario, the Crusaders should still finish in the top four, ensuring a spot in the finals.

Chiefs’ forward Wallace Sititi against the Force in Mount Maunganui on 25 April 2025. Chiefs won 56-22. Photo/Photosport

Chiefs (41 points)

Next matches: Moana Pasifika (h), Highlanders (a)

Best possible finish: First

The Chiefs have a points advantage that could help them finish first. If they manage to win both of their next games, especially with bonus points, they could reach 53 points. However, if the Chiefs lose their two matches while the Crusaders also lose and the Reds win both their games with bonus points, the Chiefs could drop to third place. In any case, the Chiefs are assured of a spot in the finals.

Brumbies (43 points)

Next matches: Bye, Crusaders (away)

Best possible finish: First

The Brumbies have a bye week to rest their players, but this also gives the Crusaders and Chiefs a chance to catch up. They are safe for the finals since the Reds can’t get enough points to surpass them. To solidify their position, the Brumbies must beat the Crusaders in their next match to guarantee they finish in at least second place. They will be watching the Chiefs closely, and if the Chiefs lose their upcoming games and the Brumbies win, it could help them take the top spot. But if the Chiefs win and the Crusaders lose, the Brumbies and Crusaders could be in a crucial match for the top position.

As the final rounds approach, every match counts, and fans are eagerly watching to see how everything plays out – World Rugby

Moana fans will be heading to Hamilton this Saturday to cheer on their side against the Chiefs. Photo/Photosport

Link

Sports

Ahen Kim Named Head Coach of Duke Volleyball

Published

3 minutes ago

January 12, 2026

Your Sports Nation

WASHINGTON – After three years as head coach and nine years in the American University volleyball program, Ahen Kim has been named the new head coach of Duke University volleyball. Kim most recently led AU to a historic season in 2025, capturing the program’s first Patriot League title since 2019. He leaves American with a 44-25 overall record at the helm.

“We are incredibly grateful to Ahen for everything he has given to American University volleyball,” said Director of Athletics and Recreation JM Caparro. “His connection to this program runs deep, from his time as an assistant under Barry Goldberg during one of the most successful eras in our history to leading the program through an important transition as head coach. This past season’s Patriot League championship and NCAA Tournament berth were a testament to his leadership, commitment to our student-athletes, and belief in this program. While we will miss Ahen, we are proud of the work he has done at AU and understand the significance of the opportunity he has earned. We wish him nothing but success in his next chapter.”

“I’m forever grateful to American University Volleyball and will cherish the time I’ve had coaching here both as an Assistant and as Head Coach,” said Kim. “It has been an honor to serve the program after Coach Barry, and I am extremely proud of the work by our student-athletes and staff to restore its competitive legacy. I want to thank President Alger, JM, Katie Benoit and the AU community for all the support for me and our program over the years. With the addition of the Meltzer Center and Goldberg Court, I know this program will continue to be a winner. AUVB will always be special to me and I wish the program continued success. Once an Eagle, always an Eagle.”

As an assistant from 2012 to 2017 and a head coach since 2023, Kim has been synonymous with many of AU volleyball’s greatest moments. He was on the bench for five Patriot League championships and all three of AU’s NCAA Tournament wins, and returned in 2023 to find more success as a head coach. Kim led the Eagles to back-to-back 20-win seasons in 2023 and 2024, leading to one of the best campaigns in program history in 2025. American won 24 games up through the Patriot League final, with Kim guiding several players to unprecedented individual success. AU earned six All-Patriot League selections and took home all five major postseason awards, including the Coaching Staff of the Year distinction given to Kim and his assistants. In total as a head coach, Kim oversaw 12 All-Patriot League players, six major award winners, two AVCA All-Region selections, and two All-Americans.

With undeniable success on the court, Kim made an equal impact off the court. 30 of his players have landed on the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll and three players earned spots on the Academic All-Patriot League team in 2025, which recognizes both on-court and academic performance.

American University will conduct a national search for its next volleyball coach.

Keep up With Us

For the latest on American University Volleyball, stay tuned to AUEagles.com and follow the team on Twitter (@AU_V olleyball), Facebook (/AU.Volleyball) and Instagram (@au_volleyball).

Link

Sports

Bulldogs See Two First Place Finishes in First Chance Qualifier

Published

17 minutes ago

January 12, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Men’s Track and Field | 1/12/2026 2:21:00 PM

Wichita, Kan – McPherson College started their 2026 off with an indoor meet on the campus of Wichita State for the First Chance Qualifier. Following their Christmas break, the Bulldogs sought after a solid performance in their first meet of the new year.

The Basics
Location: Heskett Center

Women’s Highlights
In the Women’s 60m Hurdles, Blake Posey would run her personal best time of 9.47 and place 2^nd in the meet. Nina Zimmerman finished the Women’s 60m with a 9.24 personal record. Chloe Guzman, a dual-sport athlete for the Bulldogs (women’s soccer), would continue the personal best category after running a 9.40 in the Women’s 60m.
Johanna Walker’s mile time in the Women’s Mile was also a personal best time, running a 6:19.02; this would beat her previous best time by an astonishing 29 seconds.
In the throws department, Cara Shultz’s shot put would travel 12.44m for a personal best throw; she would have a personal-best weight throw of 15.14. In both event Schultz competed in, she placed fourth.

Men’s Highlights
For the men, Eric Brown began his indoor season with a time of 1:29.86 in the Men’s 600m. Lamar Gordon lit up the competition taking first place in the Shot Put and the Weight Throw events. His shot put would travel 15.29m and his weight throw landed at 17.99m.

Up Next
The Bulldogs will travel to Maryville, Missouri this upcoming weekend for the Coach Alsup Invitational hosted by Northwest Missouri State University on January 17^th.

Link

Sports

Granby adult volleyball standings (Jan. 5)

Published

19 minutes ago

January 12, 2026

Your Sports Nation

**First place winners of the Granby volleyball tournament in April 2025, K-Town.**
*Granby Recreation Department/Courtesy photo*

As of Jan. 5, the Granby adult co-ed volleyball league has continued its season with some hard-hitting competition.

Results from last week’s games

Washed Up downed Net WERK
Timberline over Spike Tysons
CV Electric beat Sagebrush
Prather Plumbing beat Eastside Gang
Washed Up downed Ski Pigs
Spike Tysons over Liberty Spikes
Drowsy Water Ranch downed Float Goats
CV Electric beat Prather Plumbing
Ski Pigs downed Liberty Spikes
Drowsy Water Ranch over Timberline
Float Goats beat Sagebrush
Net WERK over Eastside Gang
Drowsy Water downed Ski Pigs

League Standings as of Jan. 5

Washed Up 8-0
Drowsy Water Ranch 8-1
Timberline 7-2
Float Goats 6-2
CV Electric 6-3
Sagebrush 5-4
Net WERK 5-4
Prather Plumbing 4-5
Spike Tysons 2-7
Ski Pigs 2-7
Eastside Gang 0-9
Liberty Spikes 0-9

Link

Sports

UNI track and field coach Dave Paulsen talks Minnesota Open and having an athlete serving in the National Guard

Published

32 minutes ago

January 12, 2026

Your Sports Nation

State

Zip Code

Country

Link

Sports

Vandals Deliver Another Record-Setting Semester in the Classroom

Published

34 minutes ago

January 12, 2026

Your Sports Nation

MOSCOW, Idaho- Before the spring semester officially gets underway, Idaho Athletics has announced that its programs recorded another strong performance in the classroom in the fall. Another team GPA record fell and Vandal student-athletes recorded a cumulative GPA of 3.44 across all sports.

Fall 2025 Academic Highlights

This is the 23rd consecutive semester that the Vandals earned a mark of 3.0 or higher as a whole.

Every program turned in a team GPA of 3.15 or higher.

Volleyball led the way for the department with a team GPA of 3.75. Fifteen student athletes had a 3.0 or higher and five of those turned in a perfect 4.0.

Men’s Basketball set a program record team performance for the second consecutive term, recording a team GPA of 3.44 by way of fifteen Vandals having a 3.0 or better and two of those with a 4.0. This tops the program record mark of 3.37, set last spring.

Swimming and Diving and Women’s Track and Field recorded the most athletes with a 4.0 individual average, with 22 each.

Football turned in a total of 83 student athletes with at least a 3.0.

Listed below are team GPAs, including student-athletes who earned a 4.0.

FOOTBALL

4.00 semester GPAs: 17

Holden Bea, Sam Brown, Leon Evans, Owen Forsman, Payton Gunter, Trais Higgins, Tony Harste, Calvin Macy, Donovan Parham, Malakai Railton-Stewart, Tyler Skinner, Daveon Superales, Noah West-Baranco, Caden Siegner, Trenton Swanson, Trevor Miller, Austin Flaherty

3.00-3.99 semester GPAs: 66

TEAM GPA: 3.19

SWIMMING AND DIVING

4.00 semester GPAs: 22

Parker Bach, Isabelle Borke, Maddy Butler, Natalie Charles, Cadence Gabel, Kaitlyn Hafer, Lauren Howe, Catherine Hyde, Italia Ingle, Abigail Jerome, Avery Keinonen, Ginger Kiefer, McKenzie Kovalscik, Ena Lehman, Marie Mason, Keegan Near, Grace Ruble, Maya Salvitti, Sadie Schaffer, Gaby Stanton, Andie Weiber, Lauren Wierschke

3.00-3.99 semester GPAs: 18

TEAM GPA: 3.63

MEN’S GOLF

4.00 semester GPA’s: 3

3.00-3.99 semester GPA’s: 6

TEAM GPA: 3.62

WOMEN’S GOLF

4.00 semester GPA’s: 3

3.00-3.99 semester GPA’s: 6

TEAM GPA: 3.66

MEN’S TENNIS

4.00 semester GPA’s: 4

3.00-3.99 semester GPA’s: 4

TEAM GPA: 3.68

WOMEN’S TENNIS

4.00 semester GPA’s: 2

3.00-3.99 semester GPA’s: 6

TEAM GPA: 3.62

SOCCER

4.00 semester GPA’s: 13

Mia Boltz, Ashlyn Chase, Calli Chiarelli, Annika Farley, Bella Gissendanner, Miranda Goldner, Emma James, Claire Manis, Kya Parke, Sara Rodgers, Heather Squitieri, Makenna Stuart, Izzy Thoma

3.00-3.99 semester GPA’s: 13

TEAM GPA: 3.63

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

4.00 semester GPA’s: 3

3.00-3.99 semester GPA’s: 11

TEAM GPA: 3.54

MEN’S BASKETBALL

4.00 semester GPAs: 2

3.00-3.99 semester GPAs: 13

TEAM GPA: 3.43 – Program Record

VOLLEYBALL

4.00 semester GPAs: 5

3.00-3.99 semester GPAs: 10

TEAM GPA: 3.75

MEN’S TRACK AND FIELD

4.00 semester GPAs: 5

3.00-3.99 semester GPAs: 19

TEAM GPA: 3.15

WOMEN’S TRACK AND FIELD

4.00 semester GPAs: 22

Simona Bartosova, Malia Chipouras, Francesca Cuccu, Cami Cvitkovich, Mara Fuerniss, Belen Garcia Arias, Ashley Hollenbeck, Lara Holzhauer, Tesse Kamps, Beatriz Marciano, Jada Miller, Amanda Munoz, Mary Nakamura, Constanze Paoli, Kim Priebe, Ivy Smith, Hanna Tait, Naomi Taylor, Alex Terry, Abigail Thomas, Jana Willems, Adie Wimer

3.00-3.99 semester GPAs: 17

TEAM GPA: 3.59

MEN’S CROSS-COUNTRY

4.00 semester GPAs: 5

3.00-3.99 semester GPAs: 3

TEAM GPA: 3.25

WOMEN’S CROSS-COUNTRY

4.00 semester GPAs: 5

3.00-3.99 semester GPAs: 4

TEAM GPA: 3.55

Department GPA: 3.44

All in all, 291 Idaho student-athletes delivered a GPA of 3.0 or higher for the fall semester, and 102 of those earned a perfect 4.0, continuing an established trend of excellence in the classroom for the Vandals. As the only Carnegie R1 institution in the state, athletes are coming to Moscow not just to compete at a high level, but receive one of the best educations in the northwest.

Below is a consolidated chart of 3.0+ and 4.0 GPAs by sport.

TEAM

GPA

4.0

3.0-3.99

Volleyball

3.75

Men’s Tennis

3.68

Women’s Golf

3.66

Swim and Dive

3.63

Soccer

3.63

Men’s Golf

3.62

Women’s Tennis

3.62

Women’s Track

3.59

Women’s Cross Country

3.55

Women’s Basketball

3.54

Men’s Basketball

3.43

Men’s Cross Country

3.25

Football

3.19

Men’s Track

3.15

DEPARTMENT

3.44

102*

189*

*Does not count multisport duplicates.

Link

Sports

Duke Names Ahen Kim Head Volleyball Coach

Published

50 minutes ago

January 12, 2026

Your Sports Nation

DURHAM, N.C. – Ahen Kim, a two-time conference coach of the year with more than 16 years of collegiate coaching experience, has been named the sixth head coach in Duke Volleyball history, Vice President and King-Compton Families Director of Athletics Nina King announced Monday.

Kim brings a proven track record of success from his head coaching stints at American University and Brown University, where he guided both programs to conference championships, NCAA Tournament berths and record-setting seasons, while developing all-conference and nationally recognized student-athletes.

“We are excited to name Ahen Kim as the next head coach of Duke Volleyball,” King said. “Ahen is a proven leader with an exceptional record of building championship-caliber programs and developing student-athletes at the highest level. His leadership, energy and commitment to excellence are a strong fit for Duke Athletics, and we are confident he will continue to elevate our volleyball program on and off the court.”

“I am deeply honored to be Duke’s next head volleyball coach,” Kim said. “This university has such a rich history and tradition within the landscape of college sports, and I am thrilled to be a part of its future. Duke Volleyball also has a longstanding legacy of competitive success, and I can’t wait to get to work on supporting our student-athletes towards that endeavor. I want to thank President Vincent Price, Nina King and the search committee for this opportunity. My wife and I look forward to being a part of the Duke and Durham community.”

Kim arrives in Durham after spending the past three seasons as the head coach at American University. During his tenure, he compiled a 64-25 overall record and a .719 winning percentage. In 2025, Kim led the Eagles to a historic season, posting a 25-5 overall mark, capturing the Patriot League Championship and earning a berth in the NCAA Tournament.

Kim was tabbed the 2025 Patriot League Coach of the Year, while leading his program to a sweep of the league’s major awards, highlighted by selections for player of the year, setter of the year, rookie of the year and libero of the Year.

In both the 2023 and 2024 campaigns, Kim guided American to 20-win seasons, marking the most wins posted by the program since the 24-win season in 2019. He led the Eagles to the Patriot League Tournament championship match in 2023 and the quarterfinals in 2024.

During his three seasons with the Eagles, Kim mentored 12 players to All-Patriot League honors, including multiple major award winners and nationally recognized performers. He coached the 2023 Patriot League Player of the Year, an AVCA All-Region selection and AVCA Honorable Mention All-America honoree, as well as the league’s 2023 setter of the year and 2024 rookie of the year.

From 2018-22, Kim served as the head coach at Brown University. During his tenure, he led the Bears to the 2021 Ivy League Championship and the program’s first NCAA Tournament appearance in 20 years, before returning to the Ivy League Championship match in 2022. Kim produced 13 All-Ivy selections, including five major conference award winners.

In 2021, Kim was named Ivy League Coach of the Year as Brown swept the conference’s top honors, including player of the year, defensive player of the year and rookie of the year accolades, while his student-athletes earned AVCA All-Region honors and AVCA All-America recognition.

Prior to his time as a head coach, Kim served as an assistant coach at American University from 2012-18, helping guide the program to an impressive 162-42 ledger. During that span, he helped lead the Eagles to five consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, including three tournament victories.

Kim also coached and recruited three AVCA Honorable Mention All-America honorees, six AVCA All-Region selections and three Patriot League Players of the Year, while overseeing the development of five Patriot League Tournament MVPs, 17 Patriot League All-Tournament selections and 15 First Team All-Patriot League recipients.

Kim also brings professional coaching experience, having served as the Director of Volleyball for the Gwangju Peppers, a professional club based in South Korea.

A 2007 graduate of Franklin and Marshall College, Kim earned his degree in sociology and American government. He is married to former collegiate volleyball standout Amy Pauly, who currently serves as the head coach of the Orlando Pro Volleyball Federation.

For more information on Duke volleyball, follow the Blue Devils on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching for “DukeVB”.

#GoDuke

Link