The Crusaders are champions again. After winning five titles from 2017-2023, the Crusaders moved on from the struggles of 2024 to reclaim the trophy, beating the Chiefs 16-12 in Christchurch, New Zealand to win the Super Rugby Pacific title. This is 15th Super Rugby Championship win for the Crusaders. Defense and scrum play powered the […]
After winning five titles from 2017-2023, the Crusaders moved on from the struggles of 2024 to reclaim the trophy, beating the Chiefs 16-12 in Christchurch, New Zealand to win the Super Rugby Pacific title.
This is 15th Super Rugby Championship win for the Crusaders.
Defense and scrum play powered the Crusaders as the Chiefs failed to crack the Crusaders line. Rivez Reihana sealed the title in the 71st minute with a penalty kick.
The win pushed the Crusaders to 32-0 at home in the playoffs on night where the Crusaders played their final match at Apollo Projects Stadium.
FULL TIME! CHAMPIONS ONCE AGAIN! Congratulations @crusadersrugby!
Re-live the match below and subscribe to watch the replay!
Crusaders Beat Chiefs 16-12 For 15th Super Rugby Title
The Chiefs lose in the final for the third time in a row as the Crusaders reclaim Super Rugby Pacific title.
Crusaders Are Going To Win No. 15
After a scrum win, the Crusaders are going to win the Super Rugby Pacific Final, 16-12 and close out Apollo Projects Stadium. 1 minute to go.
Super Rugby Highlights: Did This Seal The Super Rugby Championship?
Min 70 | Penalty! Rivez Reihana!
Take a bow Fletcher Newell, the All Blacks tighthead took his licks early in this contest and has come back swinging! Dominant at scrum time and a 70 minutes in he wins another HUGE penalty! Reihana makes no mistake! CRU 16 – CHI 12#CRUvCHIpic.twitter.com/x2C4LTDmsV
Crusaders Defense Pushing Super Rugby Final To Brink
Min 63 | Defence wins championships!
The Crusaders are rolling through the gears, but so far, the Chiefs have the answers! Repelling pick’n’go after pick’n’go! Eventually, they hold the Crusaders up over the line and earn a goal-line drop-out!#CRUvCHI#SuperRugbyPacific
Min 47 | The Crusaders scrum dominance continues into the second half!
Feeling the momentum, David Havili points to the corner and Reihana drills the ball into the corner to set up a perfect attacking position.#CRUvCHI#SuperRugbyPacific
All Blacks Fans, Crusaders Fans Not Liking This Limping By Will Jordan
Min 45 | Some worry here for the Crusaders with Will Jordan limping. The Chiefs have gone after the Crusaders breakdown and caught Hotham a few times with the ball.#CRUvCHI
Min 42 | That was a huge moment from Sevu Reece! The Chiefs broke free from a breakdown turnover and looked to be in for a try! Codie Taylor makes the cover tackle before Reece wins a turnover!#SuperRugbyPacific#CRUvCHI
Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan mentioned that he felt his team were a little off with their contestable kicks so it will be interesting to see if they can shorten them up and compete.#SuperRugbyPacific#CRUvCHI
Crusaders vs. Chiefs Halftime Report From Philip Bendon
The Crusaders hold a slim 13-12 halftime lead over the Chiefs in a pulsating 2025 Super Rugby Pacific final in front of a raucous home crowd at Orangetheory Stadium.
A blockbuster opening period featured two tries apiece, fierce physicality, and plenty of drama as rugby’s most decorated franchise seeks a record-extending 15th title. The Chiefs, chasing redemption after a shock quarterfinal loss to the Blues, struck first through prop George Dyer in the 12th minute, taking advantage of David Havili’s yellow card for a high challenge on Emoni Narawa.
HT with the @crusadersrugby taking a narrow 13–12 lead over the @ChiefsRugby in a fiercely contested @SuperRugby final. The visitors struck first but Taylor hit back to level it. Reihana’s boot edged the hosts ahead before Narawa hit back late. #SuperRugbyFinal#CRUvCHI
But the Crusaders responded in champion fashion. Veteran hooker Codie Taylor finished off a rolling maul in the 25th minute to level the score at 7-7. Momentum swung further as wing Sevu Reece’s relentless pressure won a penalty, which flyhalf Rivez Reihana slotted to give the Crusaders their first lead. Reihana added another three-pointer minutes later to extend the margin to six.
Narawa clawed the Chiefs back into the contest in the 37th minute, though his try was clouded in controversy, with Crusaders captain Scott Barrett protesting obstruction in the lead-up. Damian McKenzie missed the ensuing conversion, leaving the visitors trailing by one.
With both teams trading heavy blows and tactical punches, the second half will come down to fine margins with the scrum in particular being a key battle ground! Stay tuned for more updates in the second half!
Super Rugby Final Halftime Stats
Penalty Goals: Crusaders 2, Chiefs 0
Tries: Crusaders 1, Chiefs 2
Conversions: Crusaders 1, Chiefs 1
Drop Goals: Crusaders 0, Chiefs 0
Carries: Crusaders 62, Chiefs 76
Line Breaks: Crusaders 1, Chiefs 0
Turnovers Lost: Crusaders 6, Chiefs 10
Turnovers Won: Crusaders 2, Chiefs 0
Super Rugby Final Highlights: Chiefs Score Before Half, Stun Crowd
Min 37 | TRY! Emoni Narawa gets the Chiefs back into this contest
There will be plenty of debate surrounding this score with Scott Barrett arguing that he was taken out. Irrespective the try stands! McKenzie misses the conversion! CRU 13 – CHI 12! Game On!#CRUvCHI#SuperRugbypic.twitter.com/DmvYQCFujO
At Halftime Of Super Rugby Pacific Final: Crusaders 13, Chiefs 12
And we’re at halftime in Christchurch.
Chiefs Get Try, But Damian McKenzie Can’t Connect
Chiefs 12, Crusaders 13, ’34
Shaun Stevenson scored a try, but the kick from Damian McKenzie is no good. We’ve got a good one in Christchurch.
Chiefs Quiet Crowd! Try Under Review
Chiefs 12, Crusaders 13, ’34
A Chiefs try is being reviewed in the final four minutes of the first half.
Crusaders Going Up Another Level, Build Lead
Chiefs 7, Crusaders 13, ’34
Rivez Reihana adds three more a few minutes before halftime.
Super Rugby Highlights: Sevu Reece Sets Up Crusaders Kick
Champion teams strike when it matters! An incredible kick chase by Sevu Reece earns the Crusaders a penalty, which Rivez Reihana nails to give them their first lead in this final!#SuperRugbyPacific#CRUvCHIpic.twitter.com/LVWMTjX2wT
George Dyer gives the Chiefs the lead, Damian McKenzie converts the kicks.
Crusaders vs. Chiefs Are Arm Wrestling In Super Rugby Final
Both sides are feeling each other out here with contestable kicks. The @crusadersrugby are edging that area, but the @ChiefsRugby are obliterating their hosts at scrum time.
All Black Star and Chiefs Leader Damian McKenzie Has Had A Huge Season
Damian McKenzie (Chiefs) has scored 207 points from 13 games in the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season, the first player to score 200 points in a single campaign since Bernard Foley (223) and Robert du Preez (215) both did so in 2018; furthermore, he’s scored 139 points across his last 10 games against the Crusaders including a 20-points haul in his most recent game against them (1 try, 3 conversions, 3 penalty goals).
Rugby’s greatest dynasty are chasing a 15th @SuperRugby title as the @crusadersrugby run out to a raucous home crowd to take on the minor premiership winners @ChiefsRugby who are firmly back in red hot form following a shock QF loss to the Blues.#SuperRugbyPacific
The Chiefs have won five of their last seven Super Rugby Pacific games against the Crusaders including their last two in a row; the only time they’ve won more consecutive games against the Crusaders was a four-game streak from Round 3, 2015 to Round 15, 2016.
Super Rugby Table 2025
Here’s what the Table looked like this season:
(Pos.,P,W,D,L ,+/- ,PTS)
Chiefs14110323151
Crusaders14110310049
ACT Brumbies149058744
Hurricanes1481510639
Queensland Reds148065438
Blues146084733
Moana Pasifika14608-13928
NSW Waratahs14608-13426
Western Force14419-11423
Fijian Drua144010-14820
Highlanders143011-9020
Apollo Projects Stadium Is PACKED For Crusaders vs. Chiefs
The fans have come out in Christchurch. Kickoff Is coming up
How Good Are The Crusaders At Home InThe Playoffs? Here’s The Record
The Crusaders are 31-0 in the Super Rugby playoffs. The Chiefs are trying to be the first team to beat them in Christchurch when it matters.
Crusaders Saying Goodbye to Apollo Projects Stadium
This will be the final rugby match for the Crusaders at Apollo Projects Stadium. The club will move into One New Zealand Stadium next year, a 30,000 seat stadium.
How To Watch The Super Rugby Grand Final Of The Crusaders Vs. The Chiefs In The United States
The Super Rugby Pacific Final between the Crusaders and Chiefs will kick off at 3:05 a.m. ET on Saturday, June 21, from Apollo Projects Stadium in Christchurch.
The match will stream live in the United States on FloRugby and the FloSports app, with full coverage, highlights and analysis available.
Super Rugby Grand Final Kickoff Time, Location
The Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final is set for 3:05 a.m. on June 21 at Apollo Projects Stadium in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Subscribe To FloRugby To Watch The Super Rugby Final In The United States
Fans in the United States can stream the Super Rugby Pacific Final live on FloRugby and the FloSports app.
Coverage includes the full match, highlights, breaking news and expert analysis following the final whistle.
Crusaders Vs. Chiefs Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final Lineups
Here are the lineups:
Crusaders Super Rugby Grand Final Lineup
Tamaiti Williams, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett, Antonio Shalfoon, Ethan Blackadder, Tom Christie, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, Rivez Reihana, Macca Springer, David Havili (c), Braydon Ennor, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan
Replacements: George Bell, George Bower, Seb Calder, Jamie Hannah, Cullen Grace, Kyle Preston, James O’Connor, Dallas McLeod
Women’s Volleyball Nations League kicks off week three, Team USA defeats Team Thailand |
Outside hitter Jordan Larson tips the ball during a game against Türkiye at the Women’s Volleyball Nations League on June 2 at College Park Center. File photo / Natanael Mazariego The final leg of the Women’s Volleyball Nations League preliminary phase began as Team USA took to the stage with five other national teams set […]
Outside hitter Jordan Larson tips the ball during a game against Türkiye at the Women’s Volleyball Nations League on June 2 at College Park Center.
File photo / Natanael Mazariego
The final leg of the Women’s Volleyball Nations League preliminary phase began as Team USA took to the stage with five other national teams set to play Wednesday through Sunday at College Park Center.
To begin the tournament in Arlington, the VNL opened day one with a 3-2 win by No. 7 Germany over No. 15 Canada.
After a disheartening 3-1 finish to start the preliminary phase in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, Team USA bounced back with a 3-1 overall in week two at Belgrade, Serbia. The team has returned to home soil with an No. 8 standing to kick off week three.
Team USA opened this week with a 3-1 win over No. 17 Thailand in the final match of the tournament’s first day at 7:30 p.m. at College Park Center. The victory marked the team’s third straight win in the tournament.
Team USA has undergone significant roster changes and additions to the tournament team, with 10 week one VNL debuts and four returning players.
“I think the players are getting more comfortable on the competition court,” said Erik Sullivan, Team USA head coach. “The systems that we’ve put in place and been working on for the last month, month and a half, are starting to tighten up and be better.”
The first three sets were tightly contested, but Team USA maintained the upper hand and found steady momentum, leading for most of the match. The team held a clear size advantage over Thailand and used it to their benefit throughout the series.
Blocked spikes and hard-driven serves helped set the team up for success, but Thailand stayed within reach using set pieces and coordinated plays to keep pressure on USA.
“They run a very fast and complex offense, which when they’re in system can be really hard to defend,” Team USA libero Lexi Rodriguez said. “I think it took us the first two sets to adjust to their speed, their style of play and it tests you to be a little bit more disciplined and patient.”
Thailand took the second set, but USA held off a late rally to win the third. With momentum on its side, Team USA closed out the match in dominant fashion, taking the fourth set 25-15.
The team held at least a seven-point lead throughout the latter half of the final frame and had two 4-0 runs.
Team USA setter Jordyn Poulter said Thailand is a scrappy and unique team to face. She called the victory a “total team win” and said she was proud of the team’s ability to stay composed and not get caught up in the opponent’s style of play.
The tournament will continue with Team USA facing off against No. 11 Dominican Republic on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at College Park Center.
The U.S. will play two more matches to close out the women’s preliminary phase, facing Canada at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and No. 6 China at 7 p.m. Sunday. All games are available to stream on VBTV.
Prior to LBSU: Made an immediate impact at McMaster College as a freshman in 2013, leading her team to an OUA championship and an appearance in the CIS tournament (Canada’s national collegiate tournament) … led the team with 3.15 kills per set in 67 sets played … selected to the OUA All-Star first team after […]
Prior to LBSU: Made an immediate impact at McMaster College as a freshman in 2013, leading her team to an OUA championship and an appearance in the CIS tournament (Canada’s national collegiate tournament) … led the team with 3.15 kills per set in 67 sets played … selected to the OUA All-Star first team after the season and was the MVP of the OUA Tournament … also averaged 2.22 digs per set on the year … served up 20 aces, which also led the squad.
Team Canada: The youngest players on Canada’s beach volleyball team … she has competed at several international competitions, including the U19 and U21 FIVB World Championships … won the beach volleyball Gold Medal at the Canada Games in 2013 with partner, Ali Wooley … placed ninth at the U19 FIVB World Championship in 2012 … won the Gold medal at the FIVB U21 World Championships in 2014 with partner Tia Miric … Bukovec and Miric were Canada’s first age group winners at an FIVB World Championship … competed in both the U21 and U23 World Championships this summer for Team Canada … finished ninth at the U23 World Championships in Poland with Miric.
Personal: Born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada … Also worked as a model in Canada.
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Slew of former Husker stars set to play in Nebraska volleyball’s alumni match
Nate Johnson, Channel 8 LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The Nebraska volleyball team on Thursday released a long list of former Huskers that will play in the inaugural alumni match in August. Former player and assistant coach Jordan Larson headlines the group, as she was a three-time All-American during her career at Nebraska (2005-08). Larson also […]
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The Nebraska volleyball team on Thursday released a long list of former Huskers that will play in the inaugural alumni match in August.
Former player and assistant coach Jordan Larson headlines the group, as she was a three-time All-American during her career at Nebraska (2005-08).
Larson also won a National Championship with Nebraska in 2006 and is a four-time Olympic medalist, leading Team USA to gold in 2021.
Her four Olympic medals are tied for the most all-time by a women’s volleyball player.
SEE ALSO:Nebraska volleyball announces details for Fan Day, inaugural alumni match
Along with Larson, two-time All-American and national champion setter Kelly Hunter will play in the alumni match.
Three-time All-American and national champion middle blocker Lauren Stivrins will join the squad, as well as former national champion and All-American libero Kenzie Maloney.
Recent former Huskers Lindsay Krause, Leyla Blackwell and Ally Batenhorst have also committed to playing in the match.
The alumni match will be a standard best-of-five format on Aug. 16 at 6 p.m. at the Bob Devaney Sports Center.
For more information on tickets, visit the Nebraska Athletic Department’s website.
Categories: Husker Sports, Sports
Tags: Ally Batenhorst, alumni match, bob devaney sports center, Huskers, Jordan Larson, Kelly Hunter, kenzie maloney, Lauren Stivrins, leyla blackwell, Lindsay Krause, Nebraska, Volleyball
Total of 2,741 Big West Student-Athletes Named to 2024-25 Commissioner’s Honor Roll
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2024-25 Big West Commissioner’s Honor Roll A total of 2,741 student-athletes from 11 institutions across all 21-conference sponsored sports were named to the 2024-25 Big West Commissioner’s Honor Roll. To be named to the honor roll, student-athletes must be on a team roster in a Big West-sponsored sport and […]
2024-25 Big West Commissioner’s Honor Roll
A total of 2,741 student-athletes from 11 institutions across all 21-conference sponsored sports were named to the 2024-25 Big West Commissioner’s Honor Roll.
To be named to the honor roll, student-athletes must be on a team roster in a Big West-sponsored sport and were eligible for competition. There are three categories on the list based on GPA: Honor Roll (3.00-3.20), With Honors (3.21-3.50) and Highest Honors (3.51-4.00). The Faculty Athletics Representatives (FAR) of each of the 11 institutions submitted their lists to the conference office.
Big West Commissioner Dan Butterly commented, “The Big West Commissioner’s Honor Roll celebrates more than just academic success — it represents the extraordinary commitment of our student-athletes to excellence in every aspect of their college experience. Competing at the highest level of NCAA athletics while excelling in the classroom is no easy feat, and these individuals have demonstrated what it means to truly embody the spirit of the scholar-athlete. The Big West is proud to recognize their accomplishments and inspired by the discipline, leadership, and future they represent.”
UC San Diego had the most awardees in the conference with 360, with 204 receiving highest honors. UC Santa Barbara (347), UC Davis (273), Cal Poly (266) and Hawai’i (253) rounded out the top five. UC Irvine (236), CSUN (231), Cal State Fullerton (215) and Long Beach State (212) also eclipsed 200 honorees.
Eighteen University of Auckland students are heading to the World University Games in Germany. Engineering student Flynn Howarth will be representing Aotearoa New Zealand in water polo. Eighteen students from Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland have been selected to represent New Zealand at this year’s FISU World University Games in Germany, held from 16-27 […]
Eighteen University of Auckland students are heading to the World University Games in Germany.
Engineering student Flynn Howarth will be representing Aotearoa New Zealand in water polo.
Eighteen students from Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland have been selected to represent New Zealand at this year’s FISU World University Games in Germany, held from 16-27 July.
They’re part of a wider team of 84 student athletes competing across multiple sports at the world’s second-largest multi-sport event after the Olympics. The Games bring together more than 8,500 student athletes and officials from over 150 countries, and often serve as a stepping stone towards Commonwealth and Olympic Games representation.
The University of Auckland athletes, who are all part of the University’s High Performance Support Programme, will compete in disciplines including archery, athletics, artistic and rhythmic gymnastics, beach volleyball, fencing, rowing, and water polo.
Four of them share their thoughts ahead of the Games.
Lex Revell-Lewis – Athletics
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
Lex Revell-Lewis is a New Zealand 400m record holder.
New Zealand 400m record holder Lex Revell-Lewis got his start in athletics through his local club as a young child.
“Club nights were on Wednesday after school and my parents would take me along to participate in all the fun activities there were to offer. I started at a young age and haven’t looked back,” he says.
At the Games, Lex will compete in the 400m, the 4x400m men’s relay, and the mixed 4x400m relay. He says he’s feeling “excited about the possibilities and curious about the outcomes.”
“My hopes are to lower my current national record in the 400m even further, which should put me in medal contention,” he says.
Isabella Matthews – Archery
Bachelor of Arts
Isabella Matthews’ love of archery began at age ten.
Isabella Matthews says her love of archery began after reading Suzanne Collins’ dystopian series, The Hunger Games.
“I was ten … I wanted to be Katniss Everdeen. I wasn’t very good at the sport, but I absolutely fell in love with it. Over time, the sport became its own thing for me, and I was doing it because I wanted to see how far I could go,” she says.
Now representing Aotearoa New Zealand for the fifth time, Isabella will compete in the recurve division at her second major international tournament, just weeks after her first.
“It’s super cool to be able to compete internationally back-to-back. I’m also excited to be competing against some of the world’s best archers and meeting other athletes. My hopes for the future are to win a medal at an international World Archery tournament, whether that’s individually or in a team.”
Arie Rasmussen-Magasiva – Rowing
Bachelor of Commerce and Global Studies (Conjoint)
Arie Rasmussen-Magasiva will be racing in the single sculls event in Germany. Photo: Sharron Bennett
Arie Rasmussen-Magasiva first gave rowing a go in high school after his friends signed up, and he hasn’t looked back.
“I kind of just followed them in and thought it would be good fun, but ever since then I’ve been locked in,” he says. “My family never had a history in the sport and I’d never really heard much about it so rowing was very new to me, but now I can’t imagine what I’d do with my time without it.”
Arie will be racing in the single sculls event in Germany, where he’ll be competing internationally for the first time.
“I’m feeling pretty nervous as it’s my first big international competition racing against athletes from countries all over. But I back myself, the training I’ve been doing and the effort I’ve put in, and I’m honestly just excited to give it everything and get as much out of this experience as I can.”
Arie’s long-term goal is to eventually make the Olympics.
“LA 2028, that’s the big goal right now. To get there, I’ll need to earn a spot in the New Zealand Elite squad, so I’m going to keep grinding away over the next few years and see if I can make my dream come true.”
Havana Hopman – Rhythmic Gymnastics
Bachelor of Science
Havana Hopman is a multiple New Zealand rhythmic gymnastics champion.
A multiple New Zealand champion, Havana Hopman first discovered rhythmic gymnastics at the age of seven while doing artistic gymnastics.
“I remember seeing a video of someone throwing a ball and catching it behind their head. I was mesmerised,” she says. “My parents sent me to try it out, and I’ve been in love with the sport ever since.”
Now, Havana is preparing to compete on the world stage.
“I can’t wait to get out there and perform everything we’ve been working on. I’m very proud to be representing the fern on my chest. I hope to just really enjoy it, soak it all up.”
Our other University of Auckland representatives:
Archery:
Ben McLean, Bachelor of Science
Artistic gymnastics:
Daniel Stoddart, Bachelor of Engineering
Joshua Teitelbaum, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
Athletics:
Isabel Neal, Master of Physiotherapy Practice
Tommy Te Puni, Master of Commerce
Hannah Adye, Bachelor of Science
Marielle Venida, Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Design (Conjoint)
Jordyn Blake, Master of Property Practice
Beach Volleyball:
James Sadlier, Bachelor of Commerce
Fencing:
Elsie Lins, Bachelor of Global Studies
Matthew Valkenburg, Bachelor of Science
Chantelle May, Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Fine Arts
Helen Wang, Master of Commerce
Water Polo:
Flynn Howarth, Bachelor of Engineering
THE EVENT:
The Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games, 16-27 July